A.G. Schneiderman Announces $7.9 Million Settlement And State Prison Sentences In Major Illegal Prescription Buy-Back And Money Laundering Scheme

Defendants Paid Off Patients To Forgo HIV Medication And Submitted Millions In False Claims To Medicaid And Medicare

Schneiderman: These Defendants Exploited The Trust Between Healthcare Providers And Patients For Financial Gain

  Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced today the sentencing of two pharmacy owners, a supervising pharmacist and ten corporations for defrauding several government-funded healthcare programs, including Medicaid and Medicare. An investigation revealed that on at least eight separate occasions between November 2013 and February 2014, the defendants paid patients hundreds of dollars in cash to forgo their prescription medications, the vast majority of which were to treat HIV. The defendants then submitted false claims to Medicare, Medicaid and Medicaid-managed care organizations and were reimbursed for distributing the medications, despite the fact that they were never dispensed to patients. Tarek Elsayed, 50, of Elmhurst Queens, the co-owner of 184th Street Pharmacy in the Bronx, was sentenced today in Bronx County Supreme Court by the Honorable Stephen Barrett to one to three years in state prison. 

“These defendants abused the fundamental trust between healthcare providers and patients by putting their own greed above the health needs of their patients,” said Attorney GeneralSchneiderman. “This blatant theft and abuse of our state and country’s most important healthcare programs is reprehensible and will not be tolerated.”

Previously, in August of 2016, Ahmed Hamed, 39, of Elmhurst Queens, the second co-owner of 184th Street Pharmacy, was sentenced to two to six years in state prison. In October of 2016, Mohamed Hassan Ahmed, 38, of Bayside, the supervising pharmacist at 184th Street Pharmacy, was sentenced to one to three years in state prison and was required to surrender his license to practice pharmacy. Collectively, the three defendants stole over $10 million from government-funded health care programs.

In addition, the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) reached a $4.1 million civil settlement agreement with defendant Elsayed and a $3.8 million civil settlement agreement with defendant Hamed. Defendant Hamed was also required to forfeit a Maserati and BMW he purchased with the proceeds from the scheme. Both vehicles have since been sold and proceeds from the sales returned to the state Medicaid program.

Between March 2013 and March 2014, Medicare, Medicaid and Medicaid-managed care organizations paid 184^th St. Pharmacy over $10 million for medications 184^th St. Pharmacy claimed to have dispensed to patients. MFCU’s investigation revealed however that the pharmacy ordered only $1 million in medications from legitimate pharmaceutical wholesalers. 

During the undercover operations, the defendants advised undercover investigators from MFCU to sell their prescriptions to only the defendants. The defendants also paid the undercover investigators for referrals of new patients who sold their prescriptions to the defendants for cash. 

MFCU’s investigation further revealed that often within days of illegally obtaining funds from government-funded healthcare programs, defendants Ahmed Hamed and Tarek Elsayed funneled their criminal proceeds through several shell companies they owned and controlled, each named to be seem similar to well-known but unrelated companies in healthcare.  One such company pled guilty to Money Laundering in the First Degree, a class B Felony; the rest pled guilty to Money Laundering in the Second Degree, a class C Felony. Each corporation will be dissolved.

Tarek Elsayed pled guilty to one count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C Felony.  Ahmed Hamed pled guilty to two counts of Grand Larceny in the First Degree, a Class B Felony, and two counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree.  Mohamed Hassan Ahmed pled guilty to one count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree.  

Attorney General Schneiderman thanks Amida Care Inc., which provided a referral of suspected fraud that led MFCU to perform several undercover investigations; Healthfirst PHSP, Inc.; Express Scripts; and CVS Caremark for their cooperation in this investigation.

The Attorney General also thanks MFCU’s partners in law enforcement, including the New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General; the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG); and the New York City Police Department, notably Detective Mike Smyth.

UNITED AGAINST HATE: LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS AND RIVERDALE JEWISH COMMUNITY LEADERS RALLY AGAINST RECENT WAVE OF ANTI-SEMITISM

Senator Klein highlights the IDC’s Religious Freedom Package aimed at combatting hate crimes

As anti-Semitic hate crimes sweep the nation at alarming rates, Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Council Member Andrew Cohen and Congressman Eliot Engel, in partnership with the Riverdale YM-YWHA, joined members of the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale and other community leaders to condemn the disturbing acts during a rally at the Riverdale YM-YWHA Thursday night.

On Monday four local Jewish institutions in the New York received bomb threats. There have now been nearly 100 such threats to Jewish community centers nationwide since the beginning of the year. The elected officials and Jewish community leaders spoke out against these reprehensible acts and called for unity.

“This country is one built on the principles of freedom and tolerance, and one where so many have come to escape religious persecution. To see acts of hate, acts of anti-Semitism on the rise is chilling, and this behavior must be condemned. We must always stand together against hate, and take action in whatever capacity we can to stop it and to spread the word that it will never be tolerated in our communities,” said Senator Klein.

"An alarming uptick of anti-Semitic attacks has cast a shadow across the United States. Jewish Community Centers have received five mass wave bomb threats in recent weeks, including those in my district. We must take an uncompromising stand against this horrific hatred. Such attacks cannot—and will not—be swept under the rug. I am proud to join with my fellow elected officials to take a stand against anti-Semitism here and across our nation,” said Congressman Eliot Engel.

“We must stand strong and speak out loudly against anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination. Unfortunately, over the past year there has been a huge increase in incidents of anti-Semitism and discrimination in general. The recent presidential campaign, particularly the new president, has unleashed the worst in many people. The alliance between the new president and the far right and his appointment of Steve Bannon to a powerful position in the White House has, in essence, given permission to some of the worst people in our society to act upon their worst instincts. The shocking refusal of the president to even mention, in his remarks on the Holocaust, the fact that millions of Jews were its victims was a disgrace. I strongly condemn the rash of recent anti-Jewish bomb threats and other incidents of anti-Semitism. We must all unite and speak out loudly against all forms of discrimination including anti-Semitism but also the outrageous acts of this administration with its Muslim ban and the scapegoating of immigrants for the nation's problems,” said Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.

“Anti-Semitic threats and acts of violence against the Jewish community are rising at alarming rates.  Not only are Jewish community centers being threatened, but Jewish cemeteries throughout the country are being desecrated,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen. “I condemn these hateful acts and ask that law enforcement provide additional security at JCC’s and synagogues.  America’s strength is our diversity and all Americans must unite together against such hatred.”

"We are grateful to Senator Klein and our elected representatives for supporting the Jewish community and all victims of senseless hatred.  There is no better response than to stand together as a community and show that no bomb threat, no vandalism, no hatred can stop our support of one another.  We all belong here,” said Steven Exler, Senior Rabbi, Hebrew Institute of Riverdale - The Bayit.

“It is reassuring for our community to hear and see the staunch support and clear responses of our government and law enforcement, to recent threats to Jews and acts of desecration to Jewish property.  And, to know that the United States and its citizens will not tolerate anti-Semitism,” said Rabbi Shmuel Zuckerman of Young Israel of Pelham Parkway Jewish Center.

“While we must remain vigilant at this time, we should remember that these threats are being done by a sordid few and we must not allow these incidents to affect the positive attitude and good nature of our community,” said  Dan Padernacht, Chairman of Community Board #8.

“When Jewish Community Centers receive bomb threats, when cemeteries are desecrated, and when individuals are targeted because they are Jewish, we have a duty to speak out.  When the Muslim, Latino, and LGBTQ communities and many others are scared, we have a duty to speak out. And along with our words, we have a duty to act-to support, to stand up, and to love,” said Rabbi Barry Dov Katz, Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale.

Senator Klein highlighted the Independent Democratic Conference’s Religious Freedom Package, a collection of legislation to combat hate crimes. Some of the measures aim to stop hateful graffiti, vandalism in houses of worship, cemetery desecration and discrimination against religious attire.

Above - Senator Jeff Klein welcomes everyone to the United Against Hate rally that was held at the Riverdale Y.

Below - The room was packed to listen to the local elected officials and religious leaders.

Above - Congressman Eliot Engel speaks about the atmosphere in Washington since the new president has taken command of the country.

Below - Councilman Andrew Cohen talks about what the city council and mayor are doing to prevent such issues in the city.

Above - Rabbi  Katz speaks of the unity of the community and all faith leaders to come together to fight hate crimes.

Below  - Mr. Brad Silver Executive Director of the Bronx Jewish Community Council speaks of what the BJCC is trying to do to help those in need. 

Senator Klein, Assemblyman Dinowitz, and other local leaders join in the unity against hate.

After wave of threats against JCCs, IDC announces Religious Freedom Package

Legislative measures crackdown on hate against all religious groups

After four bomb threats were lodged against Jewish Community Centers in New York, members of the Independent Democratic Conference announced their Religious Freedom Package, legislative measures to promote tolerance and combat hate-inspired actions across the state.

The threats in New York are part of an anti-Semitic wave of incidents occurring nationally this year, which include threats to JCCs and Jewish cemetery desecration in 33 other states. Hate-fueled crimes against other religious groups have also been on the rise this year.

“This is a country built on the principles of freedom and tolerance, where individuals are welcome to worship freely. As the grandson of Holocaust survivors, to see this occur in America in 2017 is deeply disturbing and we must send a clear message to anyone who believes that they could strike fear into any religious group: hate will not be tolerated in New York State,” said IDC Leader Jeff Klein.

The Religious Freedom Package includes legislation to:

• Create a specified offense for graffiti making as a hate crime - Currently graffiti is  a class A misdemeanor, but S.4777 sponsored by Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland) would elevate this offense by one degree to a class E felony, if graffiti is made to target a person’s race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation.

• Increase penalties for bias-related graffiti and graffiti on religious property - When vandalism occurs at a house of worship, a chilling effect occurs. This legislation, S.1785, sponsored by Senator Klein adds a penalty of a class E felony and aggravated harassment for this offense. It also allows the courts to order vandals to clean up their graffiti. This overwhelmingly passed in the Senate this year.

• Prohibit discrimination against religious attire - This legislation, S.1503, sponsored by Senator Tony Avella (D-Queens) protects wearing any attire, clothing or growing facial hair in accordance with the requirements of a person’s religion.

• Heighten penalties for damaging property in a house of worship or desecrating a cemetery - Criminal penalties are elevated by a degree for damaging property or stealing property in a house of worship and desecrating or raiding valuables from a cemetery, under Senator Klein’s S.1786.

• Prohibit funding to college groups that participate in boycotts of Israel and other countries that have a Regents chartered school - State aid would be prohibited from funding any academic entity or activities if engaged in a boycott of Israel or other countries.

“Threats and acts of hate directed at New Yorkers based on their religious beliefs cannot be condoned. This new legislation increases penalties for those who choose to perpetrate crimes against citizens who only wish to practice their religion in peace,” said IDC Deputy Leader David Valesky.

“Hate crimes were up 31% in 2016 compared to the previous year and there has to be a deterrent to reduce an ugly trend. We will not tolerate those kinds of displays in this community and will come together to fight back against hate and discrimination.  The state must remain vigilant in deterring such conduct and have zero tolerance for such offenses, including graffiti that targets a person because of their identity,” said Senator Carlucci.

“Any religious based violence, discrimination, or hatred is a violation of our most basic human rights. This recent wave of anti-Semitic and anti-Islamic action runs contrary to the values and ideals of our state and our country. This Religious Freedom Package of legislation should not be necessary in the United States of America. However, I am proud to stand with the IDC in putting these protections into law and fighting everyday for the marginalized and threatened of this state,” said Senator Avella.

“I am proud to represent one of the most culturally diverse populations in the entire State. Unfortunately, we have seen an uptick across this country of crimes geared toward instilling fear in communities of people who make this city and state great. Vandalism, destruction of property, and threats of violence against an individual based on their heritage is one of the most reprehensible acts one can carry out,” said Senator Diane Savino.

“President Donald Trump's hostile rhetoric aimed at our immigrant and Muslim communities is dangerous and has serious consequences, as the recent spike in hate crimes has shown. All New Yorkers and all Americans must reject the division and hatred such actions represent, and this legislative package sends a clear message that hate crimes against any nationality or religion are never welcome in this state. In this current climate, we must stand up and speak out against every injustice we see,” said Senator Marisol Alcantara.

“In our society, there should be zero tolerance for violence. Perpetrating a crime is bad, but doing it in the name of hate is simply deplorable. Fighting hate-inspired crime is a priority, especially now, as we are experiencing a spike in discriminatory violence. We are at the forefront of efforts to promote tolerance and I am glad we are introducing the Religious Freedom Package to tackle senseless acts of hate,” said Senator Jose Peralta.

“These measures are an important part of expressing our solidarity with our Jewish and Muslim friends and neighbors, and anyone facing harassment, intimidation, or hate crimes. We will rise to the challenge of upholding our religious freedoms, even in the face of those who seek to marginalize and intimidate. This Religious Freedom Package serves to unite our efforts and ensure our culture of religious inclusion prevails,” said Senator Jesse Hamilton.

IN JANUARY, MAYOR’S PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT UNIT ENROLLED 14,028 NEW YORKERS IN HEALTH INSURANCE

Thousands of New Yorkers May Still Be Eligible to Enroll for 2017 Coverage

   Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Public Engagement Unit today announced that the GetCoveredNYC initiative enrolled 14,028 New Yorkers during the month of January. This new initiative contributed to the city’s overall increase in health insurance enrollment – 2,004,349 million New Yorkers enrolled through the New York State of Health Marketplace, which was an increase of 386,052 from the previous open enrollment period. In addition, all five boroughs saw an increase in enrollment with the largest increase in Queens. Although open enrollment closed on January 31, many New Yorkers may still qualify for low and no-cost health coverage for 2017. PEU’s GetCoveredNYC team continues to knock on doors, make phone calls and host outreach events in neighborhoods across the city to engage New Yorkers, schedule them for in-person enrollment appointments and help them through every step of the enrollment process.

Single adults who earn up to $23,760.00 per year, couples and single parents of one child who earn up to $32,040.00 per year and adults in a family of four who earn up to $48,600.00 per year qualify for the Essential Plan. All children up to age 18, regardless of immigration status, qualify for Child Health Plus. Single adults who earn up to $16,394.40 per year, couples and single parents who earn up to $22,107.60 per year, pregnant women who earn up to $35,524.00 per year and adults in a family of four earning up to $33,534.00 per year qualify for Medicaid. Individuals and families who have experienced a qualifying life event—such as giving birth to a baby, adopting a baby, moving to a new county, getting married, loss of coverage, exhaustion of COBRA, placement in foster care, aging out of family plan, getting pregnant, change in salary, change in immigration status or loss of employer coverage—all have access to the Qualified Health Plan. 

The City provides free in-person enrollment assistance in all five boroughs. For a list of enrollment locations, call 929-252-8912 to speak with a GetCoveredNYC specialist or text CoveredNYC or SeguroNYC to 877877 or visit NYStateofHealth.ny.gov to enroll online. In addition, PEU’s GetCoveredNYC Team will be available to help at the following locations:

The Bronx

Wednesday, March 8

11 A.M. - 3 P.M.

Assemblyman Blake’s Office

780 Concourse Village West

Bronx, NY 10451

   

Brooklyn

Wednesday, March 8

9 A.M. - 5 P.M.

Mermaid Family Health Center

2714 Mermaid Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11224

Thursday, March 16

2 P.M. – 6 P.M.

State Senator Persaud’s Office

1222 East 96^th Street

Brooklyn, NY 11236

News From Congressman Eliot L. Engel

Engel, Energy & Commerce Dems Introduce Bills to Improve Consumer Cybersecurity

  Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a leading Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, announced the introduction today of his Interagency Cybersecurity Cooperation Act. The bill requires the FCC to create an interagency committee to review cybersecurity incidents, recommend investigations, and issue regular reports on the results of these investigations including relevant findings and policy recommendations.

“Following Russian tampering in last November’s election it is imperative that we redouble our efforts when it comes to cybersecurity,” said Congressman Engel.   “The bill I have authored, the Interagency Cybersecurity Cooperation Act, will require all agencies in the federal government to report cybersecurity incidents to the FCC, which will then recommend investigations and offer periodic reports on their findings to Congress.  This bill is critical to both national security and the preservation of our personal information.  Cybersecurity reforms like these must be a priority in this Congress.”

The Interagency Cybersecurity Cooperation Act is part of a slate of cybersecurity reforms introduced today by Democrats on the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, including the Cybersecurity Responsibility Act offered by Rep. Yvette Clarke of New York, and the Securing IoT Act, offered by Rep. Jerry McNerney of California.

“House Democrats are offering concrete ideas to protect our networks and our private information from bad actors,” Engel said. “If Republicans are willing to set aside partisan politics and cooperate, we can make real progress on cybersecurity.”

Engel On House Republicans Not Publicly Releasing Their ACA Repeal Draft

  Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a top member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released the following statement in response to reports that House Republicans will not publicly release their draft to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA):

“Earlier this week, we were told that the White House and Congressional Republicans would engage in an open process to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act with something, they promised, that would be much better.

“It turns out that their pie-in-the-sky promises aren’t limited just to policy, but to process as well. Rather than put their legislation through regular legislative procedures, Republicans have chosen to hide their draft in a basement, away from the eyes of their Democratic colleagues and – most importantly – their constituents.

“What’s more, they’re gearing up to advance the legislation next week. Not only have they denied Americans the chance to learn more about their plan through even a single substantive hearing – they are ramming it through before the Congressional Budget Office can assess its cost or even the number of Americans it would insure.

“House Democrats held 79 hearings and markups on the ACA, because Americans deserve better than a basement. I urge my Republican colleagues to come out of the shadows and take part in an open process – if not for the sake of transparency, then for the sake of our constituents.”

BOROUGH PRESIDENTS CALL FOR ACTION ON LEAD IN PUBLIC SCHOOL WATER SUPPLY

   All five borough presidents have partnered on a letter to New York City Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña, urging the Department of Education to take immediate action regarding recent reports of elevated levels of lead in the drinking water at some New York City public schools.

“While we understand that it takes some time to repair and replace contaminated fixtures, our children should not be unnecessarily exposed to high levels of lead while they wait for those changes to take place. The tragedy of Flint, Michigan should not be repeated here,” states the letter, which can be read in full athttp://on.nyc.gov/2lgMlDf.

The borough presidents call on the Department of Education to provide an alternative water supply for affected schools, such as offering bottled water or water coolers; that free-of-charge testing for lead exposure be offered to those parents who wish their children to be tested; that schools install water filtration systems to prevent future contamination; and that the Department of Education implement regular lead testing at public school facilities.

“Parents should not have to worry that the everyday act of drinking water might make their children sick, especially in our public schools. These simple recommendations can help ensure the safety of our children while also preventing future lead contamination, and I am proud to stand with my colleagues to urge the Department of Education to take immediate action on this issue,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Our public schools should always be safe places for our children, and the city must take the appropriate steps to make sure that the drinking water provided to our students meets acceptable safety standards.”

“The health and safety of our children come first, plain and simple. We must ensure the highest standards are implemented and sustained when it comes to the drinking water in our public schools. Reports of elevated lead levels at some buildings need to be taken seriously, and that starts with ensuring every affected school has access to safe water and free lead exposure testing,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams. I stand with my borough presidents on this important issue.”

“Our public school students’ safety needs to be our first priority,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “The Department of Education needs to take every precaution to prevent lead exposure and guarantee the safety of the running water in our schools.”

“Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful health effects of lead because these effects occur at lower exposure levels in children than in adults,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. “That’s why the DOE must do all that it can to prevent our children from being exposed to lead while they are in school. Any exposure to lead is unacceptable.”

“The recent reports of increased levels of lead in school drinking water are extremely troubling,” said Staten Island Borough President James Oddo. “Providing alternate water sources and testing students for lead exposure is the first step in keeping them safe from harm. This is an issue that the Department of Education needs to continually address through routine testing and water filtration. I join my fellow Borough Presidents in asking Chancellor Fariña to be proactive on this issue.”

Senator Ruben Diaz announce the celebration of the 7th “Abrazo Garifuna in New York”

Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, in conjunction with  New York State Assemblymen Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda, Michael Blake, Victor Pichardo and City Council Member Rafael Salamanca, will celebrate the 7th “Abrazo Garifuna Banquet in New York.”, in recognition of the Garifuna’s Heritage Month. 

The “Abrazo Garifuna Banquet”, will take place at Maestro’s Caterers located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue, Bronx, New York, on Friday, March 17from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. and is completely free for all the attendees. 

The elected official together with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. , will be presenting  proclamations to six (6) distinguished members of the Garifuna Community. 

  

For more Information, please contact Ms. Leila Martinez at 718-991-3161

Eight Defendants Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Bank Fraud And Mail Theft Conspiracy In The Bronx

  Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Philip R. Bartlett, Inspector-in-Charge of the New York Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), today announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging a total of eight defendants with engaging in mail theft and bank fraud conspiracies in the Bronx, New York. Five defendants were arrested today, and two defendants remain at large; the eighth will voluntarily appear later this week for arraignment. The five defendants who are in custody will be presented and arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn later today. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “These eight defendants allegedly hatched a scheme to steal mail from Bronx residents, specifically targeting mail they thought would contain checks or money orders, then depositing stolen funds into their own and others’ accounts. Now, thanks to the work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, these alleged mail fraudsters have been delivered to the criminal justice system.”

USPIS Inspector-in-Charge Philip R. Bartlett said: “When I think of the brazenness of these individuals to allegedly steal U.S. Mail coupled with their total disregard for the financial well-being of the communities impacted by their crimes, it takes the word insolent to new heights. Let today’s arrests serve as an example to those who believe they can steal from the US Postal Service and get away with it. Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners will find you, arrest you and bring you to justice for your crimes against the US Postal Service and their customers. That is something you can take to the bank.”

As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:

Since 2015, USPIS and other local and federal agencies, including the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, have been investigating mail theft from mailboxes in the Bronx, New York. The investigation has revealed that individuals steal mail by either illicitly obtaining mail box keys or by “fishing.” Fishing involves inserting homemade mail theft devices into mailboxes located on street corners or other publicly accessible places. After gaining access to the mail in the mailbox, a thief typically will remove any mail that appears to contain checks or money orders. During the beginning and end of the month when many people mail checks for rent and bills, a thief can steal checks worth tens of thousands of dollars in a single night.

After perpetrators fish checks and money orders out of mailboxes, they sell the checks and money orders to others, remove the payees’ names by “washing” the checks and money orders, or simply deposit the checks and money orders into a bank account. In various iterations of the scheme, those bank accounts have belonged to the mail thieves, to complicit accountholders, or to unsuspecting third parties whose debits cards or personal identifying information has been stolen.

Since late 2015, USPIS and NYPD enforcement operations have resulted in over 50 state arrests of individuals in an area of the Bronx in the vicinity of Claremont Park for theft of mail, and over $750,000 in checks and money orders has been traced to these mail theft schemes. Between May 2015 and at least January 2017, BRIAN MARTE, a/k/a “Trini Rabiia,” ERICKSON BATISTA, a/k/a “Niike Batista,” JUNIOR TAVERAS, a/k/a “Tuh Relambio,” ANGEL ARISTY, a/k/a “Frekiitho Lindo Colon,” LUIS ROSADO, a/k/a “El Menolsito Tejada,” EOSCATERYS POLANCO, BRAYAN RODRIGUEZ, a/k/a “New Black El Paisano,” and RONARDO BAEZ, a/k/a “Tuchokoo Baez,” the defendants, each participated in these related schemes to steal mail and deposit stolen checks and money orders using other individuals’ debit cards.

Each of the defendants is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit mail theft, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison. MARTE is also charged with one count of mail theft, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The charges also carry a maximum fine of $1 million, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants would be determined by the judge.

A chart containing the names, ages, and residences of the defendants is below.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the New York City Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

These cases are being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Catherine Geddes and Stephanie Lake 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.

NAME	AGE		RESIDENCE
Brian Marte	20		Bronx, NY
Erickson Batista	24		Bronx, NY
Junior Taveras	19		Bronx, NY
Angel Aristy	18		Bronx, NY
Luis Rosado	19		Bronx, NY
Eoscaterys Polanco	23		Bronx, NY
Brayan Rodriguez	23		Bronx, NY

[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.