“Bmb” Gang Member Pleads Guilty To Bronx Murder In Connection With Racketeering Conspiracy

   Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that MARTIN MITCHELL, a/k/a “Tyliek,” pled guilty today to involvement in a racketeering conspiracy in connection with his membership in the “Big Money Bosses” (“BMB”), a violent street gang that operated primarily on White Plains Road from 215th Street to 233rd Street in the Bronx.  As part of his guilty plea, MITCHELL admitted that he committed the murder of Keshon Potterfield, on or about June 22, 2014, in the vicinity of East 232nd Street in the Bronx.  MITCHELL’s guilty plea was presided over by Magistrate Judge Barbara Moses.

U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “Martin Mitchell, as a member of the violent Bronx street gang Big Money Bosses, admitted to shooting and killing a 17-year-old boy at a birthday party.  This type of senseless gang violence threatens the safety and security of all New Yorkers, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to confront it aggressively.”

According to the Indictment and other documents filed in the case, as well as statements made during the plea proceedings:

BMB is a subset of the “Young Bosses,” or “YBz” street gang, which operates throughout New York City.  Between 2007 and 2016, members and associates of BMB committed numerous acts of violence against rival gang members in the Bronx – including murders, attempted murders, and armed robberies – and sold crack cocaine and marijuana.  

MITCHELL was a member of BMB.  On June 22, 2014, MITCHELL and other members of BMB attended a birthday party in the backyard of a residence in the vicinity of 232nd Street in the Bronx.  Potterfield was one of the guests at the party and was shot by MITCHELL in connection with BMB’s rivalry with another street gang.  Potterfield was 17 years old. 

MITCHELL was arrested in this case as a result of a multi-year investigation by the New York City Police Department’s Bronx Gang Squad (the “Bronx Gang Squad”), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Violent Gang Unit (“HSI”), the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), and the Joint Firearms Task Force of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) into gang violence in the Northern Bronx.  The Indictment, which was unsealed on April 27, 2016, charged 63 members and associates of BMB with racketeering conspiracy, narcotics conspiracy, narcotics distribution, and firearms charges.  To date, 30 of these defendants have pled guilty.

MITCHELL, 22, of the Bronx, New York, was arrested on April 27, 2016, in the Bronx, New York, and has been in federal custody since.  MITCHELL pled guilty today to one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.  The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the judge.  MITCHELL is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Alison J. Nathan on April 6, 2017, at 3:30 p.m.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding work of the NYPD’s Bronx Homicide Task Force, the NYPD’s 47th Precinct Detective Squad, the NYPD’s Bronx Gang Squad, HSI, DEA, and ATF.  

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Arrest Of Georgia Man For Kidnapping, Heroin Trafficking, And Firearms Offenses

   Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James J. Hunt, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Division (“DEA”), George P. Beach II, Superintendent of the New York State Police (“NYSP”), and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the arrest of EDWIN CABRAL MORA, a/k/a “Sosa.” CABRAL MORA was arrested yesterday in Gwinnett County, Georgia, and was presented today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Northern District of Georgia and detained on consent.

CABRAL MORA is charged in four counts with conspiring to possess and distribute one kilogram and more of heroin, kidnapping, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, and brandishing a firearm in connection with these offenses.  In relation to the kidnapping counts, CABRAL MORA is charged with luring an individual (“Victim-1”) from New York to Georgia, where Victim-1 was transported by car to an apartment in which CABRAL MORA and others blindfolded, bound, beat, and tortured Victim-1 by burning Victim-1’s skin.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said:  “As alleged, Edwin Cabral Mora not only trafficked in large quantities of heroin, but turned to violence, including participating in a vicious kidnapping.  In April of this year, Mora allegedly lured a victim from the Bronx to Georgia, ultimately blindfolding, beating, and torturing the victim.  Thanks to the remarkable efforts of the DEA, this allegedly dangerous man is now off the streets and will face criminal charges in New York federal court.” 

DEA Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt said:   “DEA’s REDRUM Group specializes in tracking down drug traffickers that cross the line into kidnapping, torture and at times, murder.  This investigation took the team on the road to Atlanta to arrest Edwin Cabral Mora for his alleged crimes.”

State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said:  “Thanks to the hard work and partnership of law enforcement at the federal, state and local level, we are taking out a violent drug operation. This arrest should send the message that we will continue to aggressively pursue criminals who profit from illegal drugs at the expense of the safety and security of our neighborhoods.”

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said:  “The defendant in this case is an alleged drug trafficker who blindfolded, burned, beat and finally tortured a kidnapping victim in a particularly heinous crime.  I am thankful to the NYPD detectives, DEA agents, and others whose work resulted in these charges in the Southern District.”     

As alleged in the Indictment[1]:

Heroin Trafficking

CABRAL MORA conspired with others to distribute substantial quantities of heroin from at least January 2016 through May 2016, in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere. 

Kidnapping and Kidnapping Conspiracy

CABRAL MORA conspired with others to kidnap Victim-1, and did kidnap Victim-1 in April 2016.  CABRAL MORA called Victim-1 by phone, when Victim-1 was in the Bronx, New York, to lure Victim-1 to Georgia.  Once in Georgia, Victim-1 was transported by car to an apartment in which CABRAL MORA and others blindfolded, bound, beat, and tortured Victim-1 by burning Victim-1’s skin.

Firearms Possession

CABRAL MORA used, possessed, carried, and brandished firearms in relation to his heroin trafficking and kidnapping offenses. 

CABRAL MORA, 38, of Gwinnett County, Georgia, is charged with conspiring to possess and distribute one kilogram and more of heroin, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, kidnapping, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, and brandishing a firearm in connection with the foregoing offenses, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA, and also thanked the Georgia State Police, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and Atlanta HIDTA Groups 1 and 2 for their assistance.

The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sagar K. Ravi and Amanda L. Houle are in charge of the prosecution.

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

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

MANHATTAN MAN INDICTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER OF FELLOW INMATE IN RIKERS ISLAND

Defendant Slashed Victim’s Throat, Inflicting Near-Fatal Injury 

   Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Manhattan man has been charged with Attempted Murder and other crimes for slashing the throat of a fellow Rikers Island inmate, causing a life-threatening injury. 

   District Attorney Clark said “The defendant allegedly slashed the inmate’s throat, inflicting a wound that nearly caused the victim’s death. We will prosecute such vicious attacks to the fullest extent to eradicate inmate-on-inmate violence, and all violence, in Rikers Island jails.” 

   District Attorney Clark said that the defendant, Shawn Young, 32, of 2363 Seventh Ave., Manhattan, has been charged with second-degree Attempted Murder, first- and third degree Assault, three counts of second-degree Assault, first- and second-degree Promoting Prison Contraband and fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon. He was arraigned today before Deputy Administrative Bronx Supreme Court Justice Eugene Oliver, who set bail at $50,000. Young is due back in court on March 27, 2017 and faces up 25 years in prison if convicted of the top charge.

   According to the investigation, on September 9, 2016, Young was involved in an altercation with another inmate in an intake cell at the Anna M. Kross Center, and slashed the inmate’s throat with a sharp metal object. He required surgery at Bellevue Hospital. 

   The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez of the Rikers Island Prosecution Bureau, under the supervision of Sonya Tennell, Supervisor of the Rikers Island Prosecution Bureau, James Brennan, Deputy Chief of the Rikers Island Prosecution Bureau, and Deanna G. Logan, Chief of the Rikers Island Prosecution Bureau, under the overall supervision of Stuart Levy, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division, and Jean T. Walsh, Chief of the Investigations Division. 

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

 

STATE SENATOR RUBEN DIAZ TO CELEBRATE “THREE KINGS DAY” FOR THE CHILDREN OF OUR COMMUNITY

  On Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 12:00PM, State Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, together with the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization, Radio Vision Cristiana International, Radio Cantico Nuevo, Assembly Members Marcos Crespo and Luis Sepulveda, NYC Councilmember Rafael Salamanca, and  different  community organizations, will be celebrating the Visit of the Three Kings to the Bronx.   

The Three Kings Day Visit to the Bronx, a traditional Hispanic cultural celebration, will take place in Public School #5 located at 564 Jackson Avenue, on the corner of East 149th Street.

During this annual event, the first 500 children between the ages of 1-9  years old will receive a toy.  School-age children will also receive a book bag with school supplies. 

“Live music and entertainment will be provided for the children,” stated Senator Díaz.

Note: Children must be present in order to receive a free toy.

For  more  information,  please  contact Ms. Leila Martinez, Senator Diaz’s Director of Operations at 718-991-3161 

Letitia James Declines to Endorse Mayor de Blasio When Questioned by the New York Post

  

   Public Advocate Letitia James was asked by a reporter from the New York Post if she would be endorsing Mayor Bill de Blasio for re-election today. The answer Public Advocate James who has been a supporter of Mayor de Blasio came as a shock to some when she described the investigation of the mayor 'Very Serious'. James backtracked from the position of support in August, to today's declining to endorse the mayor. Read the entire New York Post article at http://nypost.com/2016/12/30/letitia-james-declines-to-endorse-de-blasio/

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - GREAT 2016 - GREATER 2017

 

GREAT 2016 - GREATER 2017

 

Dear Members & Friends:

 

Your participation, support and membership in The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is sincerely appreciated!

 

• Over 100 new companies have joined The Bronx Chamber in the past 12 months.

• Over 65 seminars/workshops, Interview and Job Fairs and networking events were sponsored since January 2016.

• We will continue to expand our programs, services and networking events in 2017.  

• The 2017 Bronx Business Directory & Resource Guide will list all members alphabetically and by category for referrals and new business contacts.

• The Directory will be distributed to more than 2,000 member businesses, new businesses, and select governmental offices.

•  Membership in 2017 to the Bronx Chamber will significantly increase with your encouragement of additional companies to join.

•  The 2017 Bronx Business Directory & Resource Guide will be updated each month with an addendum listing new members that join to benefit from referrals.

•  Together, we WILL grow the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, enhance its influence and further improve the image of The Bronx.

 

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is one of the most influential, professional and successful organizations and voice for businesses in Bronx County. Professionals and companies are drawn to the successful companies and active members affiliated with The Bronx Chamber of Commerce. BCC Membership includes businesses ranging from large corporations, Cultural Institutions, Universities and Colleges, Hospitals and Medical Centers, non-profits, and mid-sized to small companies.

 

My Best Wishes to you for a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous 2017 New Year!

 

Nunzio Del Greco

President and CEO

Bronx Chamber of Commerce

"The Network For Business Success"

1200 Waters Place, Suite 106

Bronx, NY 10461

718-828-3900

Nunzio@bronxchamber.org

 

"You never know where your next big deal is going to come from"!

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES THAT CITI BIKE RIDES SURGED 40 PERCENT IN 2016 -- NEARLY 14 MILLION TRIPS TAKEN

New York City’s bike share system shatters annual ridership record for third consecutive year, exceeding 2015 record by 4 million trips

   Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced that Citi Bike had set another ridership record in 2016, with nearly 14 million trips – shattering the record set in 2015 by more than 4 million. The Citi Bike program, the largest bike-share program in North America, now regularly serves over 60,000 trips per day – on par with Boro Taxis and the Staten Island Ferry. By one estimate, this year’s record number of Citi Bike trips have kept New Yorkers out of carbon-producing vehicles, sparing nearly 5,000 tons of CO² out of New York City’s air.

“In 2016, we fulfilled our pledge to grow Citi Bike, a sustainable transit option, to a range of more diverse Manhattan and Brooklyn communities – from upper Manhattan to Red Hook,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “New Yorkers in these communities really took to Citi Bike, further cementing its reputation as the nation’s largest popular bike-share program. With more Brooklyn and Queens neighborhoods slated to get bikes in 2017, we can continue to expect great things.”

“The expansion of Citi Bike in 2016 has brought record-breaking ridership and transformed neighborhoods,” said Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “We look forward to bringing Citi Bike to Astoria, Crown Heights and Prospect Heights in 2017. I thank Mayor Bill de Blasio for his leadership as well as the DOT and Motivate teams for working hard for another fantastic year for Citi Bike.”

“Citi Bike’s latest record shows that bike share is fulfilling its promise as a vital part of New York’s transportation network – increasing access to the city’ transit network and communities underserved by public transit,” said Motivate President and CEO Jay H. Walder. “Citi Bike riders are regularly taking 60,000 rides daily during peak months, and that number keeps growing thanks to innovative partnerships across the city that encourage people of all backgrounds to give blue bikes a try.”

Citi Bike served more than 60,000 trips on 23 different days this year; on October 19, riders completed nearly 70,000 trips – a one-day system record. Operated by Motivate, a national leader in bike share, Citi Bike continues to attract the highest ridership volume of any bike share system in North America. This year’s record represents a 40 percent increase over the previous year, an indication that Citi Bike’s popularity continues to surge all across the city.

The Citi Bike program also added 139 stations and 2,000 bikes to its fleet in 2016 – expanding the network from Harlem to Red Hook in the second phase of an expansion plan that will double the size of the bike share network from 6,000 to 12,000 bikes by 2017. Citi Bike will continue to expand to Astoria, Prospect Heights and Crown Heights in the coming year.

”We are proud of our role in a public-private partnership that has created such a useful and enjoyable transportation solution for New York City,” said Citi Head of Public Affairs Edward Skyler. “Most importantly, we appreciate the Citi Bike riders who have continued to make this program such a success as it gets bigger and better.” 

Motivate ensures that Citi Bike remains affordable for lower-income New Yorkers by offering reduced-cost memberships for NYCHA residents, IDNYC holders and members of select Community Development Credit Unions.

Motivate, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene continue to partner with community organizations, such as the historic Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, to help increase and diversify participation in bike share. Membership is up over 50 percent in Bed Stuy since the partnership began. Motivate plans to launch similar partnerships in communities including East Harlem and Two Bridges in 2017.

About Citi Bike

The Citi Bike program is New York’s bike share system. It will have 12,000 bikes at over 700 stations by the end of 2017. Stations are currently located in Manhattan as far north as 110th Street and in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Williamsburg and Greenpoint and in Long Island City, Queens. With stations located every few blocks, the program has expanded this year into Harlem, Park Slope, Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Gowanus and Red Hook. Annual members receive an electronic key to undock a bike from any station, allowing unlimited trips up to 45 minutes without incurring any additional costs. Twenty-four-hour passes are available for purchase at any Citi Bike station or through the Citi Bike app and provide unlimited 30-minute trips. Reduced cost memberships are available for NYCHA residents and members of select credit unions throughout the city, and for IDNYC holders in their first year of membership. 

EDITOR'S NOTE:

It should be noted that Citi Head of Public Affairs Edward Skyler is a former Deputy Mayor under Mayor Michael Bloomberg in whose administration Citi Bike began.  

THE PRICE OF JUVENILE JUSTICE: WHY RAISING THE AGE MAKES CENTS FOR NEW YORK

Independent Democratic Conference Releases Report on Economic Impact of Raising the Age of Criminal Responsibility in New York

Senators Jeff Klein, Diane Savino, Jesse Hamilton, Tony Avella, David Carlucci, Senator-elect Marisol Alcantara, advocates, and teen offenders, released a new report on the economic impact of New York’s age of criminal responsibility.

“The impact that the current age of criminal responsibility has on 16- and 17-year-olds affects them for the rest of their lives. Whether it’s increasing the chance to advance academically or secure employment, it is clear that raising the age of responsibility will have a great societal benefit. The report issued by the Independent Democratic Conference shows that in addition to this societal benefit the state will see a fiscal benefit as well. This legislative session we will work with advocates and stakeholders to find a legislative solution to this issue,” said Senator Klein.

“Rectifying the way we deal with crimes committed by 16- and 17-year olds in New York is an important step forward in improving our criminal justice system. We have seen the unfortunate consequences of housing these teens with adult inmates and the effects it has on their future. By raising the age of criminal responsibility we can give these youths a chance to become productive and contributing members of society rather than just giving up on them,” said Senator Diane Savino.

“For far too long New York has been one of only two states where the age of criminal responsibility is 16-years-old. I have seen first hand in my community the effects that this has had on teens now and for their futures.  I am confident that we will be able to implement these reforms and I look forward to working with the IDC to accomplish this goal,” said Senator Hamilton.

“New York is one of only two states in the country that treats 16- and 17-year-olds the same as fully developed adults in the criminal justice system. Unfortunately, this can have debilitating consequences for our state’s youth as they make non-violent mistakes that the juvenile system can easily address but isn’t because of the state’s archaic law. It is surprising that a state as progressive as ours, that is usually at the forefront of key social issues, has yet to understand this harsh reality. It is time for the Governor and State Legislature to address this and do right by our youth in raising the age,” said Senator Avella.

“In October of 2014, I hosted a hearing on New York State's Mental Health Supports and Services, titled, "Raising the Age." After hearing testimony from mental health professionals and families affected by mental illness, it was clear we need a new system that supports our youth, especially those with disabilities. New York needs to focus on rehabilitation for our youth, not incarceration. I proudly support raising the age and urge my colleagues in the State Legislature to work together on passing legislation that changes this unjust system of incarceration,” said Senator Carlucci.

“We cannot afford to give up on our teenagers who have made mistakes during their formative years. Holding 16- and 17-year-olds accountable for non-violent offenses the way we do adults makes little sense, and leaves no room for rehabilitation. This ruins their lives, their families lives and impacts our society. We must treat teens like teens and set them on a positive path, leading to them earning higher incomes in the future and becoming productive, contributing members of this state,” said Senator-elect Marisol Alcantara.

The Independent Democratic Conference’s report focused on the short and long term economic effects that raising the age of juvenile jurisdiction from 16 to 18 would have on New York.

A key finding was the savings to the state’s criminal justice system, due to the reduction in detention costs and the expenditure of resources such as transportation between correctional facilities and court hearings as well as probation and parole supervision post-release.  The report found that that when fully annualized the state could see savings of up to $117.11 million annually in criminal justice system costs.

The opportunity at a second chance for these 16- and 17-year-olds was also found to have a significant economic impact for New York through additional tax revenue and a reduction in welfare payments, social support programs, and health care costs. As these youths will see a rise in expected lifetime earnings that could keep them off social support programs the state will see an economic benefit. The report found that avoided costs for public welfare, social welfare and health care would save the state $3.46 million annually while additional tax revenue from increased income would total $0.6 million annually.

After a successful 2016 legislative session which saw an increase in minimum wage and the adoption of paid family leave championed by the IDC, accomplishing raise the age has become a priority of the for the 2017 legislative session. The IDC plans to work in a bipartisan fashion to hold public hearings and engage with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive proposal to be released in the coming weeks.

“We can do better than prosecuting and incarcerating 16- and 17-year olds charged with non-violent crimes in the same manner as adults,” said Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. “Young New Yorkers incarcerated in adult prisons are more likely to suffer abuse and assault, and more likely to reoffend when they get out. In the area of juvenile justice, it is long past time for New York to lead. I thank Senator Klein for his collaboration and commitment to establishing developmentally appropriate options to hold teen offenders accountable.”