MAYOR ADAMS MAKES 11 NEW JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced 11 new judicial appointments — five appointments to Family Court, five appointments to Criminal Court, and one appointment to Interim Civil Court.  

  

“I always say that public safety and justice are the prerequisites to prosperity, and these 11 judicial appointments will help us deliver both,” said Mayor Adams. “A safer, more affordable city that delivers for all New Yorkers must have an effective criminal justice system, so I am proud to announce these judicial appointments, which represent individuals with distinguished experience and the skills to keep the wheels of justice moving in our city. I am confident that these 11 judges will help make New York City the best place to raise a family.” 

 

“New Yorkers deserve qualified, experienced, and capable judges, to ensure fair and efficient justice in our courts,” said City Hall Chief Counsel Allison Stoddart. “We thank these talented and dedicated judges for their service.”   

  

Mayor Adams appointed the following judges to Family Court: 

  

Judge Rosa Astuto was appointed as a Family Court judge in January 2025. Judge Astuto started as an associate attorney at a private office before establishing her own solo practice handling matrimonial, family, and immigration law. She maintained her practice for eight years before serving as an associate court attorney for the New York state Unified Court System in Family Court, Queens County. She briefly served as a trial attorney at The Children’s Law Center before returning to the Unified Court System as a support magistrate in Family Court, Kings County. Prior to her appointment she was assigned to Family Court, Queens County.  

  

Judge Lisa Daley was appointed as a Family Court judge in January 2025. Judge Daley was a staff attorney for the New York City Administration for Children’s Services, Division of Legal Services early in her career before she joined District Council Municipal Employees Legal Services as a staff attorney. She then became managing attorney of the Family Law Practice at My Sisters’ Place before leaving to join the New York state Unified Court System as a court attorney referee in Family Court, Bronx County, where she served until her appointment to the bench.  

  

Judge Jaimee Nelsen was appointed as a Family Court judge in January 2025. She started her legal career with the New York City Administration for Children’s Services as a special assistant corporation counsel before joining the Campaign Finance Board as an agency attorney. Afterwards, she served as family services counsel for The Fortune Society before leaving to establish her own practice as an 18b panel member focusing on divorce, child support, custody, and guardianship. Judge Nelsen then joined the New York state Unified Court System as a court attorney in Family Court, Bronx and Kings counties. Prior to her appointment, she served as a court attorney referee in Family Court, New York County.  

  

Judge Dawn Orsatti was appointed as a Family Court judge in January 2025. She started her legal career as an associate attorney at a private firm, specializing in litigation and appellate practice related to parental rights matters. There she became a partner before leaving to join the Coalition for Hispanic Family Services as the director of Child Welfare Legal Services. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Orsatti served as the director of the Child & Family Legal Services Unit at JCCA.  

  

Judge Laura Paley was appointed as a Family Court judge in December 2024. Following law school, Judge Paley joined The Legal Aid Society, Brooklyn Juvenile Rights Practice, where she served for six years as a staff attorney before joining the New York state Unified Court System. There she first served as a court attorney in Family Court, Kings County before becoming a court attorney referee prior to her appointment to the bench. 

  

Mayor Adams appointed the following judges to Criminal Court: 

  

Judge Juan Abreu was appointed as a Criminal Court judge in January 2025. Judge Abreu started his legal career at the New York County District Attorney’s Office as an assistant district attorney and served there for 13 years, and a homicide assistant during his last four years there. Judge Abreu then joined the Office of the New York Attorney General, where he served as a special assistant attorney general in the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit prior to his appointment to the bench.  

  

Judge David Goodwin was appointed as a Criminal Court judge in January 2025. He began his legal career as a staff attorney for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Judge Goodwin then joined the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey as a law clerk, after which he was appointed a Warren H. Sinsheimer fellow working with the Partnership for Children’s Rights. He served again as a law clerk in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit before moving on to join the Appellate Advocates as a senior staff attorney. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Goodwin served as a supervisor staff attorney in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, Office of Legal Affairs.  

  

Judge Jevet Johnson was appointed as a Criminal Court judge in December 2024. She started her legal career with the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office as an assistant district attorney in the Criminal Court and Grand Jury, Narcotics, and Child Abuse/Sex Crimes Bureaus. Judge Johnson then joined the New York City Department of Education as an agency attorney in the Office of the General Counsel. She went on to serve as assistant district attorney in both Westchester and Richmond counties. In Richmond County, she served as chief of the Special Victims Bureau. Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Johnson served as director of the Riker’s Island Sexual Offense Initiative.  

  

Judge Masateru Marubashi was appointed as a Criminal Court judge in December 2024. He started his legal career as an assistant district attorney for the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office where he served in the Criminal Court, Intake (Grand Jury), Felony Trial, and Homicide Bureaus for over 12 years. He then joined the Office of the New York Attorney General, Office of Special Investigations as a senior investigative counsel prior to his appointment to the bench.  

  

Judge Lana Schlesinger was appointed as a Criminal Court judge in December 2024. Following law school, Judge Schlesinger joined the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office as an assistant district attorney before joining the Office of the New York Attorney General as an assistant attorney general in the Public Integrity and Real Estate Enforcement Unit. She then joined the Kings County District Attorney’s Office as a senior assistant district attorney in the Special Victims and Homicide Bureaus. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she served as deputy bureau chief of Trial Bureau IV.  

  

Mayor Adams appointed the following judges to Interim Civil Court:  

  

Judge Philip Tisne was appointed as an Interim Civil Court judge in January 2025. Judge Tisne first served as a law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York before joining a private firm as a litigation associate. He then served for a year as a law clerk in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit before returning to private practice. Thereafter, he joined the Office of the New York Solicitor General and served for four years as an assistant solicitor general before leaving to join the New York County District Attorney’s Office, Appeals Division, where he served as an assistant district attorney prior to his appointment to the bench.  

  

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - JOIN US: Bronx Iftar Celebration

 

Christopher Reese Convicted Of Fraud And Unauthorized Practice Of Law

Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that a jury convicted CHRISTOPHER REESE, a/k/a “Christopher Eugene Thomas,” for his participation in a scheme to defraud criminal defendants and their family members out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees paid to REESE, who is not a lawyer, to perform unlicensed legal services in federal court. REESE, who is already in federal custody in connection with a separate case, will be sentenced on June 26, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni.  

Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “Christopher Reese committed fraud through his bogus legal practice. He promised his victims that he would get their family members out of prison when he knew he had no way to guarantee that outcome and induced them into paying him for legal services he knew he wasn’t authorized to provide. As a unanimous jury has now found, Reese’s promises were lies designed to enrich Reese at the expense of his victims. Running an unlicensed law business is a crime, and Reese now faces serious federal prison time for his fraudulent conduct.” 

According to the Indictment and the evidence at trial:

For years, REESE ran a scam targeting federal inmates, their family members, and friends. To carry out his fraud scheme, REESE promised favorable results in criminal cases that he could not actually obtain, rendering legal services he was not authorized to provide in exchange for hefty fees. REESE styled himself as a “legal assistant” or “paralegal,” but worked without the supervision of a licensed lawyer and offers services that only a lawyer is authorized to provide, including drafting and submitting legal filings in federal courts. REESE brought in business by promising beneficial outcomes to prisoners and their family members that he cannot guarantee, while knowing—but failing to disclose—that his unlicensed legal practice was illegal.

REESE induced victims—criminal defendants and their family members—to pay him thousands of dollars per legal filing. He did this, for example, by promising that defendants would be “immediately released” based on motions REESE would file in exchange for fees in the thousands of dollars. Sometimes REESE also offered to provide a refund if his motions were unsuccessful; but when they failed, REESE kept the money. And when his fraud succeeded, and inmates or their family members paid REESE his fees, REESE engaged in the unauthorized practice of law, by making a business of drafting and filing legal motions and briefs in federal cases, including cases heard by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit at 40 Foley Square in Manhattan, a federal enclave where New York State’s prohibition on the unauthorized practice of law applies via the Assimilative Crimes Act. 

REESE earned hundreds of thousands of dollars from this scheme. And REESE committed additional crimes in connection with these fraud proceeds. First, REESE was on supervised release in connection with a separate federal criminal case in this District during most of the scheme. And in connection with his supervision, and in order to avoid paying criminal restitution that he owed, REESE made false statements to the U.S. Probation Office. Second, REESE laundered the proceeds of his scheme by using a co-conspirator to engage in financial transactions designed to conceal the source and movement of the fees REESE collected from his victims.

REESE, 57, of East Meadow, New York, was convicted of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; unauthorized practice of law in a federal enclave, which carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison; making false statements to the U.S. Probation Office, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. REESE was found not guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. 

STATEMENT BY BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY DARCEL D. CLARK ON WALDO MEJIA FOUND UNFIT TO STAND TRIAL FOR MURDER OF 14-YEAR-OLD CALEB RIJOS

 

Today, Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas ruled that the defendant is mentally unfit to stand trial on charges of second-degree Murder, first-degree Manslaughter, Attempted Murder in the second degree, and fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon for allegedly fatally stabbing Caleb Rijos, 14, as he was waiting for a bus on Lincoln Avenue on January 10, 2025. 

Justice Villegas remanded the defendant to a psychiatric facility until he is deemed fit to stand trial.

Traffic Down, Business Up: Governor Hochul Highlights Progress Made Under New York’s Congestion Pricing Program

Governor Hochul: “We just took the M14 over and guess what? It was fast! And we don't need to wonder why – the world has changed dramatically for this city and this region ever since congestion pricing went into effect in early January.”

Hochul: “We are moving once again. And we're moving into a better future. A welcoming future. A place people can live safely. We're going to build more housing. We're going to bring more businesses. We're going make this to be the best place in the world to live. And we're not done yet.”

Governor Kathy Hochul today joined business leaders, transit advocates and elected officials to highlight ongoing progress under New York’s congestion pricing program. In the months since congestion pricing took effect, traffic is down and business is up — as the program delivers benefits for commuters from across the New York metro area and for businesses and offices in Manhattan’s Central Business District (CBD).

 Wow. What a morning this is. We just took the M14 over and guess what? It was fast!

And we don't need to wonder why – the world has changed dramatically for this city and this region ever since congestion pricing went into effect in early January. Now to all the naysayers, hopefully you now are seeing that those who studied this and thought about it worked on this for years, if not decades – had a vision that is now being realized, that we can have a city that is not paralyzed by traffic and congestion, that our air is cleaner, that our businesses are more robust, more people are going to Broadway, our buses and subways are going faster and more supported – more people are taking them than ever before.

And guess what? And guess what? Not only is traffic down and business is up, can I hear that again? Traffic is down and business is up! Traffic is down and business is up! Traffic is down and business is up! Very nice everyone.

But also, subway ridership is up and crime is down. Traffic is down. Yes indeed. So I want to say this – it's been a long journey. We're still on that journey. And the more people who get a chance to see the benefits – just walk around and talk to people, Ask if their lives are more enriched, whether they have more time with their families if they're a commuter. Whether or not they're finally realizing that we have the world class public transit system, but we need to keep it world class by raising the revenues to invest in it as well. That is essential.

So today's an important day. The cameras are staying on. They sure as hell are. I want to recognize some leaders here who've done an extraordinary job in fighting for this. And again, this was not an easy journey. We have countless lawsuits. People going on television constantly berating this – saying it wouldn't work. I want them to come here now and feel a very different New York City. That is very alive, and it's vital. It is not jammed and stuck in traffic.

We are moving once again. And we're moving into a better future. A welcoming future. A place people can live safely. We're going to build more housing. We're going to bring more businesses. We're going to make this to be the best place in the world to live. And we're not done yet. More housing is right – don’t get me on that.

But I want to recognize Senator Robert Jackson, Senator Kristen Gonzalez, Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal here. Senator Liz Krueger is here. Assemblymember Deborah Glick, Assemblymember Tony Simone. Have I forgotten any legislators from Albany? Okay, can we just negotiate the budget here and get it done?

Also Councilmember Erik Bottcher. Thank him for joining us as well. And also leaders like Kathy Wylde from the partnership who did a lot of work. I want to thank them. I want to thank the business community. We continue to need their voices in Washington. Talking about how this is beyond what anybody could have expected in terms of the results. This also shows that government can work for the people.

There's a lot of talk about a book called “Abundance” this week. We all need to read that because the way we deliver for the people, let them know we know how to lead is by delivering results, and that's exactly what this is. We are delivering for the people.

So, let me turn this over to Quemuel Arroyo, who's the Chief Accessibility Officer from the MTA, to talk about why this investment, why these investments in our capital plan are so important – but also what the quality of life is all about here in the city. 

Attorney General James Wins Lawsuit Against Anti-Abortion Extremist Group

 

Judge Rules Red Rose Rescue’s Actions Violated State and Federal Clinic Access Laws

New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after a judge ruled that Red Rose Rescue, an anti-abortion group, repeatedly violated state and federal clinic access laws by invading reproductive health care clinics and interfering with access to care:

“This is a monumental victory for the rule of law, for reproductive freedom, and for every patient who has been harassed, intimidated, or blocked from accessing the health care they need. 

“The court has affirmed that Red Rose Rescue and its members flagrantly violated the law by invading clinics, obstructing clinic entrances, and disrupting essential medical services. Their actions were not peaceful protest but unlawful obstruction, and today’s ruling makes it clear that such conduct will not be tolerated in New York.

“Abortion is health care, and every person has the right to make their own reproductive choices without fear or interference. My office will continue to do everything in our power to protect patients, clinics, and providers. New York remains a safe haven for reproductive care, and those who threaten New Yorkers’ most basic right to access health care will be met with the full force of the law.”

Attorney General James sued Red Rose Rescue and its members in June 2023 for invading reproductive health care clinics and blocking patients’ access to care.

Today, in a ruling granting the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) motion for summary judgment, U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth M. Karas found that Red Rose Rescue’s members obstructed patients’ and providers’ access to clinics by trespassing, refusing to leave and forcing police to remove them, and by getting in patients’ way as they tried to walk towards or enter the clinic – intentionally delaying or preventing patients from receiving care. In the decision, the court affirmed that Red Rose Rescue had a coordinated strategy of invading clinics, blocking clinic entrances, refusing to cooperate with law enforcement, and using their arrests to stop the provision of abortions, in violation of the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act and New York Clinic Access Act. Further proceedings will be scheduled, at the discretion of the court, to decide appropriate remedies for Red Rose Rescue’s unlawful conduct. 

Attorney General James is committed to enforcing all state and federal laws protecting reproductive health care clinic staff and patients. The FACE Act and the New York State Clinic Access Act give patients and staff both inside and outside clinics the right to be free from force, threats of force, or physical obstruction when trying to obtain or provide reproductive health care. More information on laws protecting access to reproductive health clinics can be found here. If you believe these laws have been violated, you can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Bureau by calling 800-771-7755, emailing civil.rights@ag.ny.gov, or filing a complaint online. 

Former New Mexico House of Representatives Candidate Convicted for Shooting Spree

A former candidate for the New Mexico House of Representatives was found guilty yesterday by a federal jury for a shooting spree targeting the homes of four elected officials and a subsequent plot to murder multiple witnesses to prevent their testimony at trial.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Solomon Peña, 40, ran for District 14 of the New Mexico House of Representatives during the November 2022 mid-term elections. After his November 2022 electoral defeat, Peña pressured members of the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners to refuse to certify the results of the election, but despite Peña’s pressure, the commissioners certified the results. Peña then organized and participated in shootings on the homes of two Bernalillo County commissioners who voted to certify the election and two New Mexico state legislators. The shootings, one of which involved a machine gun, were carried out between Dec. 4, 2022, and Jan. 3, 2023, with assistance from co-conspirators Demetrio Trujillo, 41; and Jose Trujillo, 24.

Jose Trujillo previously pleaded guilty on Jan. 9, 2024, to conspiracy, interference with federally protected activities, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, discharging said firearm, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Jose Trujillo’s sentencing is set for April 14.

Demetrio Trujillo previously pleaded guilty on Feb. 1, 2024, to conspiracy, two counts of interference with federally protected activities, one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and discharging said firearm. Demetrio Trujillo’s sentencing is set for May 21.

After his arrest, Peña solicited several inmates in jail to coordinate the murder of multiple witnesses in order to prevent their testimony at trial.

The jury convicted Peña of one count of conspiracy; four counts of intimidation and interference with federally protected activities; four counts of using or carrying a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, including a machinegun in one instance; one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm; and three counts of solicitation to commit a crime of violence. Peña faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 60 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division Matthew R. Galeotti, Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin for the District of New Mexico, and Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated the case with the Albuquerque Police Department and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. 

DEC Announces Start of Prescribed Fire Season

Prescribed Fires Improve Habitats

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced the agency will be conducting prescribed burns on DEC-managed land in different areas now through early May. Prescribed fire is a tool used to improve habitat for lands and wildlife and is regulated by law and regulation that require technical expertise to ensure burns are safely conducted.

“Prescribed fires are an important tool to keep New York State lands thriving and reduce fire risk,” said Acting Commissioner Lefton. “In addition to removing wood and timber litter that fuels wildfires and threatens public safety and structures, prescribed burning helps DEC achieve specific ecological goals, including eliminating invasive species and ensuring growth of fire-dependent ecosystems.”

Prescribed fires are planned in DEC’s Regions 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8. 

Region 1

Otis Pike Pine Barrens State Forest – Suffolk County

Ridge Pine Barrens State Forest – Suffolk County

Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest – Suffolk County

David A. Sarnoff Pine Barrens State Forest – Suffolk County

Dwarf Pine Plains Pine Barrens State Forest - Suffolk County

Region 3

Lafayetteville Multiple Use Area – Dutchess County

Region 4

Albany Pine Bush Preserve – Albany County

Louise E. Keir Wildlife Management Area – Albany County

Region 6

Ashland Flats Wildlife Management Area – Jefferson County

Region 7

Cicero Swamp Wildlife Management Area - Onondaga County

Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area - Onondaga County

Long Pond State Forest - Chenango County

Region 8

Cameron State Forest – Steuben County

Canisteo River Basin Unit Management Plan - Steuben County

Helmer Creek Wildlife Management Area - Steuben County

Rush Oak Openings Unique Area - Monroe County

Sonyea State Forest - Livingston County

Coon Hollow State Forest - Schuyler County

West Cameron Wildlife Management Area - Steuben County

West Hill State Forest - Steuben County

Before any prescribed fire is conducted, a burn plan is developed that outlines land management objectives, as well as parameters that must be satisfied before any prescribed fire can take place. Careful consideration is given to environmental factors such as current and expected weather conditions and smoke management considerations in close coordination with the National Weather Service. In addition, burn plans are executed by nationally qualified burn bosses.

Prescribed burns accomplish more than simply using fire to manipulate habitat for a land management objective. The burns serve as an opportunity for DEC Forest Rangers to strengthen partnerships with different DEC divisions. Prescribed fires on DEC-managed lands allow Forest Rangers, working with the DEC Divisions of Lands and Forests, Operations, and Fish and Wildlife to train staff to become wildland firefighters, supporting efforts to implement prescribed burns in the future and in response to wildland fires.

In 2024, DEC and partner agencies burned hundreds of acres of grassland habitat and dozens of acres of forested lands. These treatments included prescribed fires on two of DEC’s largest Long Island properties, the Otis Pike Pine Barrens State Forest and Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest, as well as other DEC-managed properties in Regions 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8.

Prescribed burns are regulated by law and are exempt from the annual residential brush burning ban in effect from March 16 to May 14. Burn Boss and Forest Ranger Bryan Gallagher explains more about prescribed fires in a video available for download, https://www.dec.ny.gov/fs/programs/press/ForestRangers/PrescribedBurn1080p.mp4