Illegal Alien from Mexico with Ties to the Sinaloa Cartel Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking more than 133,000 Counterfeit Pills Containing Fentanyl

 

Omar Antonio Jaramillo-Meza, 24, an illegal alien from Mexico with ties to the Sinaloa Cartel, was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for trafficking more than 133,000 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Following his prison sentence, Jaramillo-Meza will be deported.

“As an affiliate of the Sinaloa Cartel, Jaramillo-Meza coordinated the trafficking of thousands of fentanyl pills and other deadly drugs across the border and into western North Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “Transnational criminal organizations that fuel the devastation caused by fentanyl may operate beyond our borders, but their deadly consequences are felt in our communities. That is why we will not stop at the border to put an end to the fentanyl epidemic.”

“This seizure of more than 100,000 fentanyl pills demonstrates what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together with a shared mission,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “We are disrupting the supply of illicit fentanyl and holding those responsible accountable. We will continue working tirelessly toward a Fentanyl Free America.”

According to court documents and court proceedings, a DEA confidential source (CS) was introduced to “El Moro,” who was affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel and later identified as Jaramillo-Meza, and had access to large quantities of narcotics, including fentanyl. During the investigation, the CS used a messaging app to arrange multiple drug buys with Jaramillo-Meza. In April 2022, law enforcement seized 3,000 pills that Jaramillo-Meza had sent to the CS. The pills were marked with “M-30,” a marking used on prescription oxycodone pills. An analysis by the DEA laboratory confirmed the seized pills contained fentanyl.

During a subsequent meeting between the CS and Jaramillo-Meza, the defendant discussed future fentanyl shipments to the CS and explained that he had drugs sent by plane from Colombia to Mexico. In February 2023, Jaramillo-Meza sent a message to the CS, letting him know that fentanyl pills were in a package on the way to Charlotte and provided a tracking number. Investigators intercepted the package and seized 80,000 blue “M-30” pills that contained fentanyl. In June 2023, law enforcement also intercepted another drug delivery arranged by Jaramillo-Meza, seizing approximately 20,000 fentanyl pills in Cleveland County. 

In addition, investigators determined that Jaramillo-Meza supervised a network of couriers that arranged drug deliveries throughout the United States, including a delivery of 30,000 fentanyl seized by law enforcement in New York City. Court documents show that Jaramillo-Meza was responsible for trafficking more than 15 kilograms of fentanyl pills during the investigation.

In September 2024, Jaramillo-Meza pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly and intentionally distributing fentanyl and one count of knowingly and intentionally distributing fentanyl and cocaine. He is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.

In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the DEA for its work investigating the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Mayor Mamdani Announces City Will Cover All Out-of-Pocket Child Care Costs for Families Receiving Child Care Subsidies

Mamdani administration will make child care completely free for all families currently receiving child care assistance through contracts and vouchers 

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced today that the City will make child care completely free for all families receiving child care assistance through vouchers and contracts across New York City. The policy will benefit approximately 22,000 low-income families who currently receive subsidized child care through the Child Care Assistance Program and pay a sliding-scale fee. Beginning in September, the Mamdani Administration will cover the $5.2 million in annual out-of-pocket costs those families currently pay for care. Funding has been baselined in the budget at $6.24M beginning in FY28.

“For thousands of families, a weekly child care fee means another bill they simply can’t afford. Making that care truly free can make all the difference,” said Mayor Mamdani. “As part of our promise to deliver universal child care, we are eliminating these fees for families receiving child care assistance across the city. No family should have to choose between staying in the city they love and affording care for their child. This is another step toward making affordable child care something every New York family can count on.”

“The rising cost of child care is one of the single largest expenses facing families across New York,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “That's why I was proud to stand with Mayor Mamdani in January to announce that we would put New York on a path to universal child care. The State has since allocated $1.2 billion to support and expand the City's child care infrastructure, an investment that is already paying dividends for working families. This commitment is one more way we are putting money back in New Yorkers' pockets, putting families first and ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive.”

“The Child Care Assistance Program has been a lifeline to thousands of families, but they still shoulder millions of dollars in out-of-pocket costs,” said Emmy Liss, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education. “Thanks to Mayor Mamdani, we’re putting money directly back into the pockets of New Yorkers. Child care costs should never be a barrier to a family’s stability, and the Mayor has made delivering on that promise central to his administration. As we prepare to launch free 2-K this fall, we are making all publicly-funded care free for families.”

“Making child care free for the thousands of families with ACS child care vouchers is another crucial investment the Mamdani Administration is making to support families and make New York City more affordable,” said Rebecca Jones Gaston, Commissioner of the Administration for Children’s Services. “With this child care truly free, families have one less worry, one less bill, and opportunities to invest in the futures of their children.”

The Child Care Assistance Program provides subsidized child care for eligible children ages 6 weeks through 13 years old and through age 19 for children with disabilities. Funded through the State’s Child Care Assistance Program, more than 100,000 children currently receive vouchers in New York City, while several thousand more infants, toddlers, and preschoolers access extended-day care through City contracts. The City is required to charge eligible families a fee on a sliding scale, which approximately 22,000 families currently pay. Beginning in September, the Mamdani Administration will cover these costs for all families, making their care completely free. Families who currently receive subsidized care will not need to take any additional action.

Today’s announcement follows the submission of more than 5,700 applications for the City’s first-ever free 2-K program, which will provide universal child care to families regardless of income or immigration status. Demand for 2-K was nearly three times the number of available seats, underscoring the need to expand access to affordable, high-quality care. Mayor Mamdani has made expanding child care access a priority of his first year in office.

In April, Mayor Mamdani announced that the City’s 2-K programming would be full-day and full-year. The administration has also advanced work on the City’s first free child care pilot program and opened seven previously vacant provider sites to create 240 additional 3-K seats, as part of a broader rollout of 2,000 new 3-K seats across all five boroughs.

Trump Administration Delivers 15 Straight Months of Zero Releases at the Border

 

Today, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced 15 consecutive months of zero releases at the border, continuing the unprecedented trend of historically low border crossings.

“Again this month, the results are clear: President Trump’s border security agenda is restoring order and putting the safety of the American people first,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “DHS remains focused on enforcing our immigration laws, securing the border, and ensuring those who enter our country illegally are removed swiftly. Thanks to the strong leadership of President Trump, we have the most secure border in history.”

The sustained decline in illegal border crossings and apprehensions—now at levels not seen in over three decades—shows the profound impact of robust enforcement policies. With daily apprehensions down 94% from the previous administration, the border remains more secure than at any point in history.

“Clear policy, strong enforcement, and dedicated frontline personnel are delivering results at our borders,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott. “With the support of President Trump and Secretary Mullin, CBP is securing our nation against illegal crossings, dangerous individuals, and illicit drugs while keeping lawful trade and travel moving. These results show what is possible when border security is treated as a national priority.”

Below is a snapshot of July’s key figures. Full monthly reporting can be viewed on CBP’s Stats and Summaries webpage.

Border Enforcement at Historic Levels

Illegal crossings in July remained historically low:

• Border Patrol apprehensions decreased in July 
  • The U.S. Border Patrol’s apprehensions along the southwest border in July (9,295) were 6% lower than June. Nationwide, the Border Patrol’s apprehensions in July (11,298) were 1% lower than last month.
• Southwest border apprehensions were 94% lower than under Biden 
  • The U.S. Border Patrol’s apprehensions along the southwest border in July were 94% lower than the monthly average of the Biden administration; 96% below the peak of the Biden administration (December 2023); and less than what was apprehended in 6 days in July 2024.
• Fiscal year to date apprehensions historically low 
  • Total U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions along the southwest border this fiscal year through July are lower than just one month on average from FYs 1992 through 2024.

Drug Interdictions That Save Lives

CBP remains on the frontline against drug smuggling, seizing dangerous narcotics before they reach American communities.

• July seizures 26% higher than under Biden: Nationwide in July, seizures of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana (combined, by weight) increased 26% from July 2024. 
• Fiscal year drug seizures 54% higher than under Biden: CBP has seized 54% more drugs this fiscal year through July than it seized during the same period of FY 2024.
• Fentanyl seizures up: Fentanyl seizures increased 3% from June 2026, with 1,054 pounds seized in July 2026.
• Heroin seizures up: Heroin seizures increased 20% from June 2026, with 79 pounds seized in July 2026.

Trade and Tariff Enforcement

CBP plays a central role in enforcing U.S. trade law and supporting economic security.

• $342 billion in imports processed in July 2026.
• $23 billion in duties identified for collection in July 2026.

Protecting Consumers and Supply Chains

CBP continues to safeguard the American economy by targeting forced labor and counterfeit goods.

• In July, CBP stopped 300 shipments valued at more than $83 million for potential forced labor violations.
• CBP seized a quantity of 2.9 million counterfeit goods valued at over $2 billion.

Agriculture Stats/Seizures – Securing American Agriculture

In July, CBP agriculture specialists helped protect America’s agriculture, natural resources, and economic prosperity.

• CBP issued 6,554 emergency action notifications for restricted and prohibited plant and animal products.
• CBP conducted 114,147 positive passenger inspections and issued 704 civil penalties and/or violations to the traveling public for failing to declare prohibited agriculture items.

Violent Drug Dealer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Kilograms of Fentanyl Hidden in Car Batteries, Fentanyl Pills, and Meth

Gabriel Ojeda Murguia, a violent criminal with a history of hurting other people, was sentenced today to nine years in prison after his conviction for trafficking over 25 kilograms of fentanyl and other drugs in the Atlanta area.

“The obscene amount of fentanyl Murguia possessed posed a significant threat to public health and public safety. If law enforcement had not stopped it from hitting the street, this poison could have ended tens of thousands of lives,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “The success of this operation came from the coordinated teamwork of multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in our Homeland Security Task Force.”

“Murguia was moving an extraordinary amount of fentanyl into our communities, putting countless lives at risk for profit,” said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This investigation and sentencing demonstrate the impact we can have when federal, state, and local law enforcement work together to stop dangerous drugs before they reach the streets.”

“This sentence demonstrates what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together with a common goal, which is protecting our communities from the deadly threat of fentanyl,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Our joint law enforcement efforts with the Homeland Security Task Force will continue to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those responsible for trafficking these dangerous drugs. Together, we are working toward safer communities and a Fentanyl-Free America.”

According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Between April 2024 and April 2025, Gabriel Ojeda Murguia, a/k/a “Taliban,” sold fentanyl and methamphetamine on several occasions in Gwinnett County. Over two transactions, Murguia sold more than 100 grams of fentanyl powder. In another, he sold over 2,000 fentanyl pills. He had previously sold a kilogram of methamphetamine for $2,700 and offered to sell cocaine for $18,000 per kilogram.

On April 17, 2025, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on a Lilburn, Georgia residence after observing Murguia enter the home. During the search, agents found approximately 25 kilograms of fentanyl and cocaine, including at least 15 kilograms of fentanyl hidden inside vehicle batteries. Murguia and another man were both arrested that same day. Murguia was previously convicted of battery and family violence battery.

Today, United States District Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr. sentenced Gabriel Ojeda Murguia, a/k/a Taliban, 46, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, to nine years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Murguia was convicted on May 4, 2026, after he pleaded guilty to possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and conspiring to possess fentanyl with the intent to distribute.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with substantial assistance from the Gwinnett County Police Department and the Georgia State Patrol.

Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas M. Forsyth III and Sara Lim prosecuted the case.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Atlanta comprises agents and officers from ATF, CGIS, DEA, FBI, ICE-HSI, IRS-CI, DOL-OIG, DSS, USMS, USPIS, and USSS, as well as numerous state and local agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia. 

NYC Council Approves Year-Round Outdoor Dining, Nation’s First Office of Insurance Affordability, and Neighborhood Quality-of-Life Package

 

Package invests in small business owners, protects consumers from rising insurance costs, and improves quality-of-life with sanitation and neighborhood cleanliness initiatives

Today, the New York City Council approved a package of landmark legislation to lower costs, strengthen neighborhood quality of life, and support small businesses across the five boroughs. The package includes legislation to make outdoor dining available year-round, create the nation’s first Office of Insurance Affordability to help protect consumers from rising insurance costs, and establish new standards to improve neighborhood cleanliness and responsible pet ownership.

Together, the initiatives demonstrate the Council’s commitment to lowering costs, supporting families, empowering small businesses, and elevating the quality of living for New Yorkers across a range of issues that impact their lives every day.

“As a former restaurant owner, I know firsthand how difficult and costly it is to own and operate a small business in New York City. At a time when families and entrepreneurs are facing rising costs, government should be making it easier to succeed,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “That’s why the Council took action today to make outdoor dining available year-round, support thousands of neighborhood restaurants, and create the nation’s first Office of Insurance Affordability to help bring greater transparency and lower insurance costs for businesses and consumers. These are the investments that strengthen our neighborhoods, support small businesses, and make New York City more affordable and more livable for everyone.”

Protecting Consumers and Addressing Rising Cost of Insurance

Rising insurance costs are increasingly becoming a major barrier to business and housing development across the city. For example, business liability insurance has increased by 10% annually, forcing many nightlife establishments to change how they operate or even shut down. Additionally, rapid increases in insurance costs are adding pressure to landlords to increase rents and putting the financial viability of affordable multifamily rental housing at risk. As a result, Speaker Julie Menin, Council Members, housing advocates, and business leaders are spearheading legislation that would increase insurance accountability and transparency as rising insurance costs continue to drive up rents, consumer prices, and the cost of living across New York City—and calling on the State to follow suit. 

Introduction 685-B, sponsored by Speaker Julie Menin, would establish an Office of Insurance Affordability. The office would provide information on types of consumer insurance and issue generalized guidance for consumers on selecting insurance plans; track legal actions alleging deceptive, fraudulent, or other unfair practices by insurance companies that harm consumers; conduct an annual study and issue reports on issues facing consumers of insurance; provide legislative and policy recommendations that would benefit consumers of insurance; and create a unit to assist consumers in resolving insurance-related issues, headed by an insurance affordability advocate.

Resolution 395, would call on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, S.6356/A.4188 prohibiting increases in rates of homeowners’ insurance in excess of twenty-five percent per year.

Resolution 389, would call on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, the Automobile Insurance Consumer Information Act (S.1196/A.3893).

Resolution 387, would call on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.07828A/S.07939, A.9015 and A.9016A to mitigate the rising cost of property insurance for affordable housing.

Year-Round Expansion of Outdoor Dining Program

Following the emergency Open Restaurants program established in June 2020, the New York City Council approved the permanent Dining Out NYC program in August 2023, with applications opening in March 2024. The permanent program established an application process for “sidewalk cafes” (a portion of a ground floor restaurant located on a public sidewalk fronting a restaurant) and “roadway cafes” (an open-air portion of a ground floor restaurant located in the curb or parking lane of a roadway fronting a restaurant). Sidewalk cafes may operate year-round, while roadway cafes may operate only from April 1 through November 29, requiring participating restaurants to dismantle and reinstall their roadway setups each year. Sidewalk cafes may operate year-round, while roadway cafes may operate only from April 1 through November 29, requiring participating restaurants to dismantle and reinstall their roadway setups each year. 1,649 restaurants currently hold fully issued outdoor dining licenses.

Introduction 655-A, would expand the City’s outdoor dining program by removing seasonal restrictions on roadway cafe operation. This bill would also allow the use of weatherproofing and winterizing materials to facilitate the operation of a roadway cafe year-round. The bill prohibits any DOT rule that would allow a roadway or sidewalk café to operate later than 11:00 PM daily.

Introduction 894-A, would allow sidewalk cafe operators to enclose their year-round sidewalk cafes annually from November 30 through March 31. The bill also permits weather protection materials that may be used at other times during the year, which DOT shall prescribe by rule.

Introduction 917-A, would require roadway and sidewalk cafe operators to ensure that their outdoor setups are clear of trash, debris, graffiti, vermin, food scraps and unsanitary conditions. Operators who violate this provision would be subject to civil penalties ranging from $200 for the first offense to $500 for the second and subsequent offenses.

Introduction 918-A, would allow sidewalk and roadway cafe operators to pay their annual revocable consent fees in quarterly installments to reduce their upfront costs. Revocable consent fees are annual charges cafe operators pay for the private use of public sidewalk or roadway space, based on the cafe’s square footage and geographic sector.

Resolution 592, would set forth findings of the Council concerning the environmental review conducted for Introduction 894-A.

Supporting Community Cleanliness Through Improved Containment and Disposal of Dog Waste

Year after year, 311 has seen a sustained increase in constituent dog waste complaints. In 2026 alone, 311 received 2,926 complaints (up to August 13), already 10% greater than the number of total complaints last year, in only the first eight months of the year. In response, Council Members, dog enthusiasts, and animal rights advocates came together in support of the Safe and Clean Outdoor Ownership Practices (SCOOP) Act, a package of legislation aimed at improving community cleanliness, enhancing support for dog owners, and ensuring dog waste is picked up throughout all five boroughs. The SCOOP Act would expand access to dog waste bags, launch a new pilot program to compost dog waste collected from dog runs, establish a new public education campaign, and strengthen enforcement in certain areas.

Introduction 857-A, sponsored by Speaker Julie Menin, would require the Department of Sanitation to install at least 1,200 dog waste bag dispensers on public litter baskets across the five boroughs.

Introduction 872, would require the Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene, in consultation with the Commissioner of Sanitation, to develop and conduct a public education and outreach campaign to inform the public about dog waste removal and the dangers of failing to remove dog waste.

Introduction 864-A, would require the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to establish a pilot program that would designate volunteer-led dog run groups that have experience maintaining dog runs to collect dog feces from dog runs under DPR’s jurisdiction for composting. At dog runs, the designated groups, with aid from DPR when requested, would install dog feces collection bins, provide compostable dog feces bags for the purposes of composting such waste. This bill would also require DPR to report to the Mayor and the Speaker of the Council and post online on the amount of dog feces collected and composted, where the compost was used, the efficacy of dog feces composting efforts, program implementation challenges, and potential program expansion.

Introduction 880, would require the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation to post signs at the entrances and exits of parks, and at certain park facilities, summarizing the rule prohibiting a person from leaving dog waste on the ground and the associated penalties for violation.

Making the Certification of No Harassment Program Permanent

Introduction 839-A, would make the Certification of No Harassment (CONH) pilot program permanent, with a new program list published by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) every 3 years beginning on April 15, 2027. This bill would require that the building qualification index, used as a criterion for buildings on the program list, be recalculated every 3 years. Additionally, this bill would require buildings with the same owner, indicated by information provided on annual building registrations, as buildings where a final determination of harassment has occurred within the prior 60 months or buildings where a CONH has been denied in the prior 60 months, be added to the program list.

Requiring Reporting on Confirmed Firearm Discharges

Introduction 935-A, would require the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to report on the number of confirmed firearm discharges in the city on a quarterly basis. NYPD would be required to report the date, time, and location of each firearm discharge, as well as a description of the circumstances of the discharge.

Codifying the Official Flag of Staten Island

Introduction 320-A, would codify into law the current flag of the borough of Staten Island as its official flag.

Declaring August 2 Annually as James Baldwin Day

Resolution 218, would declare August 2 annually as James Baldwin Day in the City of New York to honor his legacy as a groundbreaking essayist, novelist, playwright, poet, and civil rights activist, who fought racial and sexual discrimination with candor, sensitivity, and lasting influence.

Land Use:

50-20 108th Street Rezoning– an application to facilitate the development of two new mixed-use buildings with 196 dwelling units, 51 of which will be permanently affordable under MIH Option 1, in Council Member Shanel Thomas-Henry’s district.

63-02 Fresh Pond Road Rezoning – an application to enable the development of a new 7-story mixed-use building with 54 dwelling units, 13 of which will be permanently affordable under MIH Option 1, in Council Member Phil Wong’s district.

Queens CD2 Walk to Park Site Selection – an application to facilitate the site selection and potential acquisition of 31 privately-owned properties by the Department of Parks and Recreation in collaboration with the Department of Citywide Administrative Services as part of a citywide plan to support a more equitable distribution of open space. These acquisitions will facilitate the creation of new parkland in the districts of Council Members Shekar Krishnan and Julie Won. 

Flatiron NoMad Major Concessions – an application to facilitate the expansion of the existing Flatiron District concession area boundaries in the districts of Council Members Carl Wilson and Harvey Epstein.

Finance:

Transparency Resolution approving new designations and changes of certain organizations receiving funding in the Expense Budget.

Preconsidered Introduction, sponsored by Council Member Linda Lee (By Request of the Mayor), would require the Department of Finance Commissioner to establish a temporary program to resolve outstanding ECB judgement penalties.

Attorney General James Reminds New Yorkers to Be Cautious in Charitable Giving for Colombia Earthquake Relief

 

AG James Warns New Yorkers to Look Out for Sham Charities and Make Sure They Are Donating to Trustworthy Organizations

New York Attorney General Letitia James today provided guidance to New Yorkers looking to support relief efforts following the devastating earthquake in Colombia. Attorney General James warns New Yorkers to be wary of sham charities that may take advantage of their concern and bad actors who misrepresent themselves as being associated with a charity. Attorney General James also encourages everyone to ensure they are donating to legitimate charitable efforts and organizations.

“My heart breaks for all those impacted by this devastating earthquake in Colombia and their families and loved ones at home here in New York,” said Attorney General James. “As New Yorkers generously seek to support relief efforts, I urge them to be careful of sham charities and make sure they are giving to trustworthy organizations and groups. I encourage anyone who experiences any issues when donating to contact my office.”

Fraudulent organizations can try to prey on New Yorkers’ good intentions, especially following natural disasters. Given the significant impact of the earthquake in Colombia, it is essential for New Yorkers to be informed as they seek to help those in need. Attorney General James offers the following tips to ensure donations are safe and effective:

• Solicited by Email? Find Out Who Is Soliciting. If you receive a solicitation by email, find out who is behind that email address. Contact the charity whose name is in the email or visit its website to find out if the email is really from the charity. Do not give personal information or your credit card number in response to an email solicitation unless you have checked out the charity.
• Be Careful When Giving Through Social Media or Other Fundraising Sites. Before giving through social media or fundraising sites, research the identity of the organizer of the fundraising efforts and ask the same questions you would of a charity. Online platforms that host groups and individuals soliciting for causes may not thoroughly vet those who use their service. Donors should only give to campaigns conducted by people whom they know. Donors also should take a close look at the site’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Terms and Conditions to see what fees will be charged. Also, don’t assume that charities recommended on social media sites, blogs, or other websites have already been vetted. Research the charity to confirm that the charity is aware of the campaign and has given its approval for the use of its name or logo. If available, sign up for updates from the campaign organizer to keep abreast of how contributions to the campaign are being spent.
• Check Before Giving. Donate to charities you are familiar with and carefully review information about the charity before you give. Check a website like Disaster Philanthropy to find out which charities are at the aid forefront. When donating to international disaster relief, choose a reputable organization working in the affected area. Agencies such as the American Red Cross and the United Nations offer valuable information on the best ways to lend support overseas. Most charities are required to register and file financial reports with the Office of the Attorney General's (OAG) Charities Bureau if they solicit contributions from New Yorkers. Check OAG’s website for financial reports of charities or ask the charity directly for its reports.
• Ask How Your Donation Will Be Used. Find out how the charity plans to use your donation, including the services and individuals your donation will support. Find out more than just the cause. Find out what organization or entity will receive the money and what programs it conducts or what services it provides. Find out how much of the organization’s budget supports its mission. All charities have administrative expenses but be wary if these costs outweigh the amount spent on relief.
• Look Into Newly Formed Organizations Carefully. Often, in the aftermath of tragedies, new organizations emerge to meet community needs. While most of these organizations are well-intentioned, and some may provide innovative forms of assistance, some may not have the experience or infrastructure to follow through on their promises, and some may turn out to be scams.
• Exercise Caution Before You Text a Contribution. Check the charity’s website or call the charity to confirm it has authorized contributions to be made via text message.
• Don't Give Cash or Gift Cards, or Wire Money. Give directly to the charity either by check made payable to the organization or through the charity's website.
• Be Careful About Personal Information. Be cautious before giving credit card or personal information over the phone, by text message, or via the internet. In all cases, make sure you are familiar with the organization to which you give such information and check to see that the fundraising campaign is legitimate.
• Report Suspicious Organizations. If you believe an organization is misrepresenting its work or that a fundraising or charitable scam is taking place, please file a complaint with the Charities Bureau or email complaints@ag.ny.gov.

Governor Hochul Announces Start of Construction on 78-Unit Affordable Housing Development in Chautauqua County

$37 Million Homesteads at Dunkirk Landing Will Include 16 Apartments With Supportive Services for Veterans

Development Advances Downtown Revitalization Efforts and Transforms Blighted Brownfield Properties Into Sustainable Housing and Community Space

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced construction on Homesteads at Dunkirk Landing has started, a 78-unit affordable and supportive housing development that will create new homes in the city of Dunkirk, Chautauqua County. The $37 million development will include 16 apartments with supportive services for veterans who have experienced homelessness and approximately 5,900 square feet of commercial space planned for a childcare center. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has created or preserved more than 600 affordable homes in Chautauqua County. Homesteads at Dunkirk Landing continues this progress and is part of Governor Hochul's $25 billion five-year Housing Plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

“Making New York more affordable starts with creating more homes in communities across our state,” Governor Hochul said. “With Homesteads at Dunkirk Landing, we are turning underutilized properties into 78 new affordable homes while supporting veterans, families and the continued revitalization of downtown Dunkirk. This investment is another example of how we are working with local communities to increase housing supply, strengthen neighborhoods and create new opportunities for New Yorkers to build their futures.”

Homesteads at Dunkirk Landing will be affordable to households earning up to 70 percent of the Area Median Income. There will be 16 supportive apartments reserved for eligible veterans with disabilities who have experienced homelessness, with on-site services provided by Soldier On, a nonprofit organization that offers housing and support services to veterans. Units will be supported by an Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative award administered by the New York Office of Temporary Disability Assistance. There will be eight units to accommodate residents with mobility impairments, and four units to accommodate residents with sensory disabilities.

Developed by Regan Development Corporation, the project will consist of two new buildings located within two blocks of one another on Washington Avenue and on East Fourth Street. The Washington Avenue building will contain 48 apartments, while the East Fourth Street building will contain 30 apartments. Both sites are located within Dunkirk’s Brownfield Opportunity and Downtown Revitalization Initiative areas, replacing vacant and blighted properties.

The development will appeal to families of varying sizes. There will be a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units. The East Fourth Street building will include approximately 5,900 square feet of commercial space planned for a childcare center. The project will also feature community rooms and a playground.

Homesteads at Dunkirk Landing is designed to meet 2020 Enterprise Green Communities Plus standards, EPA Energy Star Multifamily New Construction, EPA Indoor airPLUS, and U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Homes criteria. The buildings will be all-electric, feature on-site solar panels and electric vehicle charging.

Financing for Homesteads at Dunkirk Landing includes a mix of public and private sources, including Federal and State Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from HCR expected to generate $19 million in equity, $9 million in HCR subsidy, and $200,000 in infrastructure funding from Empire State Development. The project is receiving a $1 million award from the Department of State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative.