COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION CHAIR RODRIGUEZ ANNOUNCES PACKAGE AIMED AT ERADICATING FATAL HIT AND RUNS FOLLOWING THREE IN THREE DAYS

   Joined by advocates and fellow elected officials, Council Member Rodriguez, Chair of the Transportation Committee, announced the introduction of a new bill to curb hit and runs in NYC as well as plans to introduce several others shortly. The legislation to be introduced would establish a hit and run reward fund, to compensate members of the public who provide information leading to the apprehension, prosecution or conviction in the case of a hit and run.

The start of 2017 has been grueling, with three separate fatal hit and run crashes in the first three days of the year. In late 2016, a popular DJ from the radio station 97.9 FM, La Mega, Jean Paul "DJ Jinx Paul" Guerrero was killed in a hit and run in Brooklyn. These deaths have shaken New Yorkers and further exposed the cost of hit and run crashes in New York City.

In 2017, Council Member Rodriguez announced that it should be a priority to do everything the City can do eradicate hit and run crashes in 2017:

"Every fatal hit and run that occurs in our city leaves a family in mourning," said

Council Transportation Chair Ydanis Rodriguez. "Hit and runs occur with far too great a frequency. Today we are sending a message that we're willing to put our money where our mouth is to catch and prosecute cowardly individuals who leave people for dead as they flee the scene. 2017 should be the year we say enough is enough and make ending hit and run crashes a priority."

Council Member Rodriguez also announced plans for two other bills aimed at curbing hit and runs, including a citywide hit and run alert system that informs the public about relevant information such as makes and models of cars involved in hit and runs; and stepped up investigations for all property damaged in hit and run crashes.

Council Member Rodriguez also signaled his intention to advocate for more officers to be assigned to the Collision Investigation Squad unit in the NYPD that investigates traffic crashes.  These measures aim to increase enforcement to deter drivers from fleeing the scene of a crash, knowing they will be caught.

As Chair of the Council Transportation Committee, Council Member Rodriguez has facilitated the passage of legislation he co-sponsored to increase civil penalties against hit and run drivers and increase reporting of hit and run crashes, delineated by the severity of the crash and resulting damage, including whether the investigation yielded an arrest and led to a conviction. He has also introduced legislation to include hit and run alerts on Taxi TV screens to bolster the number of eyes looking for suspects on the street.

Nearly 40,000 hit and run crashes occurred in 2015. 4,000 involved pedestrians, cyclists or other drivers and over 1 per week resulted in serious injury or death, of which just over half led to arrests. These staggering numbers show how great this crisis is on our streets and are what the measures introduced by Council Member Rodriguez aim to address.

NYPD Press Release: New York City Experiences Historic Drop in Crime in 2016

New York City Experiences Historic Drop in Crime for 2016

Fewest Annual Index Crimes Ever Recorded

Annual Shooting Incidents Fall Below 1,000 For The First Time Ever

   New York City has experienced a consistent and significant reduction in overall crime during the last twelve months.  Several index crime categories have posted historic reductions. Among the new benchmarks for 2016 are overall index crime, and shooting incidents.

For 2016, there were 101,606 crimes reported in New York City, compared with 105,921 in 2015. This is a reduction of 4,315 crimes in 2016, or -4.1%. This marks the fewest annual index crimes ever reported in the modern Compstat-era. For 2016, there were 998 shooting incidents reported, compared with 1,138 in 2015. This is a reduction of 140 shootings in 2016, or -12.3%. This marks the fewest annual shooting incidents ever reported in the modern Compstat-era.  

For 2016, there were 335 murders reported, compared with 352 in 2015. This is a reduction of 17 crimes, or -4.8%.  There were 1,436 rapes reported in 2016, compared with 1450 in 2015. This is a reduction of 14 crimes, or -1%.   There were 15,489 robberies reported in 2016, compared with 16, 971 in 2015. This is a reduction of 1,482 crimes, or -8.7%. There were 20, 807 felonious assaults reported in 2016, compared with 20,375 in 2015. This is an increase of 432 crimes, or +2.1%. There were 12,969 burglaries reported in 2016, compared with 15,183 in 2015. This is a reduction of 2214 crimes, or -14.6%. There were 44,236 grand larcenies reported in 2016, compared with 44,263 in 2015. This is a reduction of 27 crimes, -0.1%. 

“2016 was the safest year ever in the history of New York City. We have been working hard at reducing crime to historic lows, when many said it could not be done. And we have reduced crime despite upticks in violence in many other cities across America,” said Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill. “Our Neighborhood Policing program has enabled us to fight crime, address the community’s concerns, and build trust. In 2016, we had laser like precision in tackling gangs, with more arrests just this morning. I am thankful to the men and women of this department who put on the uniform every day—and to those members of the public who join us in the collective responsibility we all share in keeping this great city safe.”

“2016 marks a record year in crime reduction, made possible by the greatest police department in the world and transformative crime-fighting strategies that have built trust between police and communities and enabled New Yorkers to take an active role in ensuring the safety of their neighborhoods.” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Three years ago, countless onlookers scoffed at the notion that New York City could reduce crime from already record lows. Yet we’ve done it, all while working toward a more just city by reducing arrests and curtailing the overuse of stop and frisk. I want to thank Police Commissioner O’Neill and the entire New York City Police Department for their tireless spirit and hard work to make New York the safest big city in America.”

There were 2,419 crimes reported in the Transit Bureau in 2016, compared with 2,507 in 2015. This is a reduction of 88 crimes, or -3.5%. There were 5,211 crimes reported in the Housing Bureau in 2016, compared with 5,088 crimes in 2015. This is an increase of 123 crimes, or +2.4%

Note: All crime statistics are preliminary and subject to further analysis, revisions, or change.  

PARKCHESTER TOWN HALL MEETING ON MAINTENANCE HIKE

WHAT: Senator Ruben Diaz and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda will hold a Town Hall meeting to update residents of Parkchester South Condominiums on the status of the court case involving a major one-time maintenance hike by management.

The two electeds have been working with legal counsel in a lawsuit to modify the one-time 15.19 % increase, which management has said it needs to cover the cost of emergency repairs to roofs and other portions of the spawling condominium development.

They have already won concessions from management, including extending the maintenance payment over a four-year period for those who qualify based on their financial status.

WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017

WHERE: St. Paul's Church (Gymnasium), 1891 McGraw Ave., Bronx.

Council Member Andy King to Host Open House For 12th District Constituents Jan. 15, from Noon to 3 p.m.

  City Council Member Andy King will hold an open house and community “meet and greet” at his 12th District offices at 940 East Gun Hill Road on Sunday, Jan. 15, from Noon to 3 p.m. 

Joining Council Member King will be his staff and representatives from city agencies, who will be available to answer community questions.

The open house also celebrates the observance of the birthday of the slain civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“It’s only fitting that on the day of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s actual birthday that we open up our house as Dr. King had opened up his heart and gave his life to improve the lives of others. That true commitment to service is what we strive for in the 12th District,” said Council Member King.

This event is free and open to the public.

Alleged Confidence Man Charged With Luring Victims Through Matchmaking And Networking Sites To Commit Fraud And Identity Theft

John Edward Taylor Allegedly Masqueraded as a Millionaire and Businessman to Romance Victims, Steal Their Identifying Information, and Use Their Bank Accounts and Credit to Fund His Daily Expenses.

   Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York and Timothy Gallagher, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Newark Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced that JOHN EDWARD TAYLOR, a/k/a “Jay Taylor,” a/k/a “Josie Reeser,” was charged in a five-count indictment today.  TAYLOR had previously been charged by complaint, and first appeared in this district on December 21, 2016.  The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain. TAYLOR is expected to be arraigned later this week before Judge Swain.  

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said:  “John Edward Taylor allegedly trolled dating websites to find unsuspecting women for his ‘romance’ scam, designed to steal their money.  While masquerading as a millionaire businessman with romantic and professional interest in his victims, Taylor was in reality an alleged con artist.  When confronted by some of his victims for looting their bank accounts, Taylor took his insidious crime another step further, allegedly threatening to release sexually explicit photos of them.”

FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Timothy Gallagher said:  “Today’s charges illustrate the FBI’s commitment to combating the growing threat of online dating scams and financial fraud. Our job is to protect victims and ensure those who commit these egregious crimes are held accountable.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint and Indictment filed in federal court:[1]

JOHN EDWARD TAYLOR, a/k/a “Jay Taylor,” a/k/a “Josie Reeser,” stole, or attempted to steal, money, credit, and personal information from more than a dozen women (the “Victims”) in cities across the country, including New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, and Philadelphia.

TAYLOR contacted Victims using online matchmaking and networking websites, such as Match.com, eHarmony, Craigslist, and Seeking Arrangement.  TAYLOR typically introduced himself as “Jay” and often falsely described himself as a wealthy businessman with oil and land interests in North Dakota.  To some Victims, TAYLOR feigned interest in hiring the Victims to work on a new business TAYLOR purported to be creating.  To other Victims, TAYLOR expressed an interest in a romantic and personal relationship.  To most Victims, TAYLOR purported to be interested in both a personal and a professional relationship.

Using a variety of false pretenses, TAYLOR obtained the Victims’ personal identifying information, often including birthdates, addresses, and bank and credit account numbers.  TAYLOR used the Victims’ personal identifying information to purchase goods, transfer funds, and open new accounts – all without authorization.  In certain circumstances, TAYLOR opened accounts without the Victims’ knowledge.  In other circumstances, TAYLOR opened accounts that he assured Victims were business accounts, but were, in fact, personal accounts in the Victims’ names, over which TAYLOR maintained exclusive control.

Often within a matter of months, Victims would discover thousands of dollars in unauthorized charges and transfers in their existing accounts, receive bills for accounts they had never created, or learn their existing accounts had been closed due to delinquency.

Independent of each other, multiple Victims confronted TAYLOR about his activities.  To some, TAYLOR responded with insults.  To others, TAYLOR responded with promises to repay the losses – and on at least one occasion attempted to repay one Victim with funds unlawfully obtained from another Victim.  On multiple occasions, TAYLOR threatened to transmit sexually explicit images of the Victims – which he had obtained as part of his purported romantic relationships with them – to the Victims’ employers if the Victims tried to collect their debts.

TAYLOR’s fraud and attempted fraud totaled hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses.

TAYLOR, 47, has been charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense; one count of bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense; one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison; and two counts of threatening communications, each of which carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentences for the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding work of the FBI for their investigative efforts and ongoing support and assistance with the case.

The prosecution of this case is being overseen by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Rebold and Andrew Thomas are in charge of the case.

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

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

Former New York City Human Resources Administration Employee Pleads Guilty To Fraud And Cocaine Trafficking

   Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that PETRONILA PERALTA, a/k/a “Petra,” a former employee with the New York City Human Resources Administration (“HRA”), pled guilty to defrauding a public assistance program that she had administered during the time when she worked for HRA, resulting in the theft of more than $600,000 in public funds, and to trafficking more than 50 kilograms of cocaine following her separation from HRA.  PERALTA, who was arrested in December 2015, entered her pleas today before U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods, and was ordered remanded.  She is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Woods on April 4, 2017.

U.S. Attorney Bharara stated:  “As she admitted today, in addition to cocaine trafficking, Petronila Peralta defrauded the public by stealing more than $600,000.  This money was intended to aid the neediest New Yorkers, including children, by helping to defray the costs of basic nutrition and housing.” 

According to the Complaint, Indictment, plea agreement, other information in the public record, and today’s proceeding:

HRA is an agency of the City of New York responsible for administering various public assistance programs.  Among other things, HRA provides temporary help to individuals and families with social service and economic needs to assist them in reaching self-sufficiency.  Its services include, among others, administering the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (more commonly known as “food stamps”), administering the federally funded Temporary Aid to Needy Families Program, and providing rental assistance to low-income families and individuals.

Between 2005 and August 2014, PERALTA worked at HRA, most recently as a Job Opportunity Specialist in a job center in Queens, New York.  In that capacity, PERALTA was supposed to provide economic support and employment-related services to persons in need.  Starting by approximately 2009, PERALTA abused her position by fraudulently issuing more than approximately 800 supplemental issuances to individuals who were not entitled to such payments.  A “supplemental issuance” is a supplemental transmission of funds to a public assistance beneficiary who did not receive the amount of funds he or she was due previously.  Between approximately 2009 and May 2011, PERALTA repeatedly issued such funds not to individuals who were entitled to them, but to co-conspirators, and took steps to conceal her conduct, including by using the computer system log-in information of a former employee of HRA, rather than her own.  The scheme led by PERALTA resulted in the loss of more than approximately $600,000 in public funds.

Following her separation from HRA, between approximately January 2013 and March 2015, PERALTA agreed to and did receive, and help others to receive, through the mail more than 50 kilograms of cocaine meant for re-distribution.

PERALTA, 52, of the Bronx, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess cocaine, which carries a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

U.S. Attorney Bharara praised the work of the New York City Department of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj - Coat Drive: Donate a Coat

Statement from Comptroller Stringer, Council Members Cohen and Williams Re: Support for Governor’s Free Tuition Proposal

Statement from Comptroller Scott M. Stringer 

  “Making college tuition-free for working families will be a major step forward for our students, our city, and all of New York. College is a necessity in the 21st century, and if we are to compete as a city, we need to give everyone a fair shot to succeed. Access to higher education should be a right for all, not just a privilege for a few. This proposal is both the smart approach and the right thing to do. I applaud Governor Cuomo for taking on this critical issue.”

Statement from Council Member Andrew Cohen

   “I commend Governor Cuomo on today’s free tuition proposal.  City and State officials should be open to all options for putting CUNY and SUNY within the reach of middle-class families, including eliminating tuition altogether.  His proposed supplemental aid program would make college affordable for thousands of families throughout New York.  

“I support the goals of this proposal as I was a co-sponsor of legislation recently passed by the New York City Council, and signed into law by the Mayor, which will create a taskforce to examine ways to increase affordability at CUNY, including the feasibility of eliminating tuition.  Phased-in support to households over the next three years is a good start on reaching the goals we all share of making CUNY and SUNY affordable for current and future students in New York City and throughout the State.” 

STATEMENT FROM COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAMS

  Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, Deputy Leader, and a Brooklyn College graduate, released the following statement after Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a proposal Tuesday morning to offer free tuition at state colleges to middle- and low-income New Yorkers. Under the plan, college students whose families earn less than $125,000 a year will receive free tuition for any city or state university in New York.

"I commend Governor Cuomo on his plan to offer free tuition to New York's families. A college education should not be a debt sentence for years to come. Given the economy and the slow growth of available jobs, it is irresponsible to saddle young adults with debt without a path to work their way out of it after graduation.

"There's a precedence for the Governor's move. The biggest expansion of the CUNY system was during the Great Depression because it was believed education would lift the country out of the recession. 

"It's time the Democratic party begin to adopt forward-thinking policies and truly be the enlightened party it purports itself to be."