Wave Hill Events Jun 16–Jun 24

  In addition to a woodworking workshop June 17 and a birdy Make Music New York experience onJune 21, I can’t leave out Pollinators Weekend, June 24 and 25, even though it falls just outside the parameters of this week’s email. Here’s a link to the weekend, so you can see all the Pollinators Weekend events at a glance. It should be a very buzzy two days!

Sat, June 17    Woodworking: Garden Trellis Workshop

Trellises perform double-duty, supporting rambling vines and serving as ornamental garden features. With master carpenter and Director of Facilities Frank Perrone as your guide, construct a vertical, fan-shaped trellis to spruce up a wall indoors or out (vines optional). No previous carpentry skills required. Space is limited. $60/$50 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. 

MEET AT WAVE HILL HOUSE, 9:30AM–4PM

Sat, June 17    Family Art Project: Big Hand, Little Hand

Using plaster of Paris, create an exact replica of your hand and the hand of one of your family members—maybe Dad’s! Then, build onto your plaster hands with metallic and natural materials like leaves, sticks and stems. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sat, June 17    Garden Highlights Walk

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

Sat, June 17    Wave Hill History Walk

Discover the fascinating history of Wave Hill’s architecture and landscape on a walk with a Wave Hill Garden Guide. Hear about the people who once called Wave Hill home, among them Mark Twain, Theodore Roosevelt, Bashford Dean and Arturo Toscanini. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM

Sat, June 17    Gallery Tour

Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow will lead a tour of current exhibitions in Glyndor Gallery. The group show,Outcasts: Women in the Wilderness, explores how women have been treated and portrayed as outcasts in history, myth and biblical legend. In the Sunroom Project Space, Sonya Blesofsky’s sculptural installation is inspired by the history of Glyndor House, while Sindy Butz’s includes enlarged photographs and videos of her performing with Wave Hill fireplaces. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Sun, June 18    Family Art Project: Big Hand, Little Hand

Using plaster of Paris, create an exact replica of your hand and the hand of one of your family members—maybe Dad’s! Then, build onto your plaster hands with metallic and natural materials like leaves, sticks and stems. Free with admission to the grounds. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, June 18    Yoga in the Garden

Enjoy a morning yoga class on the lawn. Participants should bring a mat, dress appropriately and expect to be outside, unless precipitation or excessive humidity occurs. Classes are offered in partnership withYoga Haven. All levels welcome. Continues Sundays through June and July 9. $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Pre-registration recommended at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center.

ON THE GROUNDS, 10AM–11AM

Sun, June 18    In The Shop: Father’s Day!

Spend $75 and receive a Wave Hill baseball cap for Dad!

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–4:30PM

Sun, June 18    Garden Highlights Walk

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Mon, June 19    

Closed to the public.

Mon, June 19    Members Trip: Greenwood Gardens

In the last decade, Greenwood, a former private estate in Short Hills, New Jersey, that dates from the early 1900s, has undergone much thoughtful restoration and is now a wonderful and eclectic garden. Grand vistas, Italianate water gardens and rustic stone summer houses are just some of the features to see on this Members trip with Wave Hill Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day. $70 Wave Hill Member, including lunch. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center.

MEET AT WAVE HILL VISITOR PARKING LOT, 9AM–4PM

Tue, June 20    Garden Highlights Walk

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

Tue, June 20    Gallery Tour

Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow will lead a tour of current exhibitions in Glyndor Gallery. The group show,Outcasts: Women in the Wilderness, explores how women have been treated and portrayed as outcasts in history, myth and biblical legend. In the Sunroom Project Space, Sonya Blesofsky’s sculptural installation is inspired by the history of Glyndor House, while Sindy Butz’s includes enlarged photographs and videos of her performing with Wave Hill fireplaces. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Wed, June 21    Make Music New York

For the second year in a row, Wave Hill celebrates avian life as part of Make Music New York’s Inside the Bird Chorus, a city-wide project conceived by the artist David Rothenberg as a dialogue between improvising musicians and native bird species. The gardens make an ideal location for flutist Michael Pestel to chat with the birds and for visitors to enjoy the sounds. Free with admission to the grounds, and admission is free until 10:30AM. 

ON THE GROUNDS, 9–10:30AM

Wed, June 21    Wave Hill Members Picnic

Pack a picnic supper, or purchase dinner from The Café! And be sure to bring your blanket! This event is for Wave Hill Members only. During the picnic, enjoy a discount of 15% on all merchandise in The Shop.

ON THE GROUNDS, 6–8:30PM

Sat, June 24    Family Art Project: Butterfly Habitat Hats

See them and sketch them flying and sipping the nectar of their favorite flowering shrub or bush. Then learn about local butterfly species and make a butterfly-habitat hat filled with flowers and insects in an active landscape. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.  Pollinators Weekend event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sat, June 24    In The Shop: Meet the Grower―Eric Rohsler of Rohsler’s Nursery

Eric Rohsler of Rohsler’s Nursery will be on hand to guide you in selecting the best plants for attracting pollinators to your own green space. Also for sale will be upscale bee-condos, crafted in Wave Hill’s own woodshop. Pollinators Weekend event.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–3PM

Sat, June 24    Pollination Headquarters

Get your pollinator info here! See butterfly and insect displays, pick up self-guided tours, take home pollinator-friendly plant lists and adopt a bee-condo. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.Pollinators Weekend event. 

ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM–4PM

Sat, JUNE 24    Meet the Bees: A Hands-on Adventure in the Apiary

Observe bee behavior in the gardens, then suit up in a hat and veil to peek inside a hive filled with 50,000 honeybees. Search for worker bees, drones, brood (baby bees) and maybe even catch a glimpse of the elusive queen. Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day leads this fascinating foray into the world of the honeybee. Appropriate for curious adults and kids ages 14 and older accompanied by an adult. $35/$25 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. Pollinators Weekend event. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM–1PM

Sat, June 24    Garden Highlights Walk

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

Sat, June 24    Family Gallery Tour

Explore artwork on view in Glyndor Gallery on a family-friendly tour with a Curatorial Fellow. Children ages six and older welcome with an adult. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT WAVE HILL HOUSE, NOON

Sat, June 24    Butterfly Block Party

Calling all swallowtails, fritillaries, skippers and hairstreaks! Everyone’s invited to the Butterfly Block Party in the Flower Garden. Mingle with guest naturalists and meet your local Lepidoptera. Free with admission to the grounds. Pollinators Weekend event. 

MEET AT FLOWER GARDEN, NOON−3PM

Sat, June 24    Native Pollinators Walk

Flowers attract the attention of both human and animal visitors. Honeybees, bumblebees and butterflies are easily spotted in the garden, but solitary bees, beetles and other native pollinators are often overlooked. Entomologist Lawrence Forcella and naturalists Gabriel Willow and Paul Keim lead these fascinating walks to observe our local pollinators at work. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult.Repeats at 3PM. Free with admission to the grounds. Pollinators Weekend event. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM

Sat, June 24    Gallery Tour

Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow will lead a tour of current exhibitions in Glyndor Gallery. The group show,Outcasts: Women in the Wilderness, explores how women have been treated and portrayed as outcasts in history, myth and biblical legend. In the Sunroom Project Space, Sonya Blesofsky’s sculptural installation is inspired by the history of Glyndor House, while Sindy Butz’s includes enlarged photographs and videos of her performing with Wave Hill fireplaces. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Sat, June 24    Talk & Tour: The Horticulturalist’s Eye

Tour the Hudson River Museum’s summer exhibition, Robert Zakanitch: Garden of Ornament, with Wave Hill’s Assistant Director of Horticulture Matthew Turnbull and Hudson River Museum Curatorial Chair Laura Vookles. This event is part of the Museum’s “Talk and Tour” series. Free with admission to the Museum; admission is free to Wave Hill Members through the Fairfield Westchester Museum Alliance.

MEET AT THE HUDSON RIVER MUSEUM, 2PM

Sat, June 24    Native Pollinators Walk

Flowers attract the attention of both human and animal visitors. Honeybees, bumblebees and butterflies are easily spotted in the garden, but solitary bees, beetles and other native pollinators are often overlooked. Entomologist Lawrence Forcella and naturalists Gabriel Willow and Paul Keim lead these fascinating walks to observe our local pollinators at work. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. This walk also takes place at 1PM. Free with admission to the grounds. Pollinators Weekend event. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 3PM

Sat, June 24    Marvelous Moths Talk and Walk

Often overshadowed by their more flamboyant butterfly relatives, moths play an important role in the ecosystem as pollinators for night-blooming flowers, and as food for many larger creatures. Join Environmental Educator Pam Golben of the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum for a peek into the fascinating world of moths. This evening program includes a short, indoor presentation and a twilight foray into the gardens to look for moths. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. $20/$10 Wave Hill Member. Advance registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. Pollinators Weekend event. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 7:30–9PM

Sun, June 25    Family Art Project: Butterfly Habitat Hats

See them and sketch them flying and sipping the nectar of their favorite flowering shrub or bush. Then learn about local butterfly species and make a butterfly-habitat hat filled with flowers and insects in an active landscape.  Free with admission to the grounds. Pollinators Weekend event.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, June 25    In The Shop: Meet the Grower―Eric Rohsler of Rohsler’s Nursery

Eric Rohsler of Rohsler’s Nursery will be on hand to guide you in selecting the best plants for attracting pollinators to your own green space. Also for sale will be upscale bee-condos, crafted in Wave Hill’s own woodshop. Pollinators Weekend event.

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM–3PM

Sun, June 25    Yoga in the Garden

Enjoy a morning yoga class on the lawn. Participants should bring a mat, dress appropriately and expect to be outside, unless precipitation or excessive humidity occurs. Classes are offered in partnership withYoga Haven. All levels welcome. Continues Sundays through June and July 9. $25/$15 Wave Hill Member. Pre-registration recommended at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center.

ON THE GROUNDS, 10AM–11AM

Sun, June 25    Pollination Headquarters

Get your pollinator info here! See butterfly and insect displays, pick up self-guided tours, take home pollinator-friendly plant lists and adopt a bee-condo. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.Pollinators Weekend event. 

ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM–4PM

Sun, June 25    Butterfly Block Party

Calling all swallowtails, fritillaries, skippers and hairstreaks! Everyone’s invited to the Butterfly Block Party in the Flower Garden. Mingle with guest naturalists and meet your local Lepidoptera. Free with admission to the grounds. Pollinators Weekend event. 

MEET AT FLOWER GARDEN, NOON−3PM

Sun, June 25    Native Pollinators Walk

Flowers attract the attention of both human and animal visitors. Honeybees, bumblebees and butterflies are easily spotted in the garden, but solitary bees, beetles and other native pollinators are often overlooked. Entomologist Lawrence Forcella and naturalists Gabriel Willow and Paul Keim lead these fascinating walks to observe our local pollinators at work. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult.Repeats at 3PM. Free with admission to the grounds. Pollinators Weekend event. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM

Sun, June 25    Garden Highlights Walk

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Sun, June 25    Native Pollinators Walk

Flowers attract the attention of both human and animal visitors. Honeybees, bumblebees and butterflies are easily spotted in the garden, but solitary bees, beetles and other native pollinators are often overlooked. Entomologist Lawrence Forcella and naturalists Gabriel Willow and Paul Keim lead these fascinating walks to observe our local pollinators at work. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. This walk also takes place at 1PM. Free with admission to the grounds. Pollinators Weekend event. 

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 3PM

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–5:30PM, starting March 15.  Closes 4:30PM, November 1–March 14.

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesdaymornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the W. 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO ON OSCAR LOPEZ RIVERA’S INVOLVEMENT IN THE PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE

  “The parade has always been about Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans, not any one participant. It is a celebration of a culture and community at the center of what makes New York City great. Unfortunately, the parade and the plight of Puerto Rico have been overshadowed by needless controversy. Oscar Lopez Rivera agreeing to step aside from any formal role in the parade is a critical step forward in refocusing our city's attention on the more important issues facing Puerto Rico.

“Puerto Rico and its 3.5 million people, many of whom are family and loved ones of New Yorkers, are in the midst of an economic collapse and health care crisis that threatens their future. Our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico deserve help from Washington and they are not receiving it. This should be our singular focus when it comes to Puerto Rico and our city’s parade.”

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR DE BLASIO ON US WITHDRAWAL FROM PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT

   

“President Trump can turn his back on the world, but the world cannot ignore the very real threat of climate change. This decision is an immoral assault on the public health, safety and security of everyone on this planet. New Yorkers are already experiencing hotter summers, more powerful storms and rising seas, which disproportionately affect already vulnerable communities. On behalf of the people of New York City, and alongside mayors across the country, I am committing to honor the goals of the Paris agreement with an Executive Order in the coming days, so our city can remain a home for generations to come.”

City Council Candidate in the 14th District Randy Abreu Receives Working Families Party Endorsement

  Randy Abreu, the Democratic candidate for City Council received the endorsement from the Working Families Party. The Working Families Party’s focus on tackling the political, economic and educational equality that deprives working and middle class families of opportunity, is a vision Randy Abreu seeks to carry out as a champion for working families in New York City.

"Randy Abreu is a true progressive and will be a strong voice on the issues that matter most to working families in the Bronx. We plan to work hard to elect Randy Abreu so he can champion issues like more affordable housing, good jobs and great schools,” said Juan Antigua, Working Families Party New York City Political Director.

In a statement, Abreu said “I am humbled to receive the endorsement from one of New York State’s most progressive parties. It is an honor to receive support from the same party that endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders,” said Abreu. “Working families are the backbone of our City’s economy, and yet the hard-working families of our communities, and in the 14^th district continue to be underrepresented and underserved. As our community’s next city councilmember, I will fight for the traditionally disadvantaged, and live up to the values of the Working Families Party every day.”

Randy Abreu is a progressive Democrat running for New York City Council in the 14^th District. Born and raised in the Bronx, Abreu wants to help give back to the community that raised him. Abreu, a lawyer, previously worked on Capitol Hill and in President Obama’s administration. He has the passion, knowledge and experience our community needs.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

  The Working Families Party have their own ballot line in November, and it is unclear how this political party is playing a role in the Democratic Primary.

Senator Ruben Diaz announces the celebration of “Abrazo Boricua in New York”

  Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, in conjunction with New York State Assemblymen Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda, Victor Pichardo, City Council Member Rafael Salamanca and Senator Marisol Alcantara will celebrate the Annual “Abrazo Boricua in New York.”

"Abrazo Boricua" is a completely free annual banquet for the first 500 people, and it will take place at the Eastwood Manor Restaurant, located at 3371 Eastchester Road, Bronx, New York, on Thursday, June 8, 2017 from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. This event will honor the many contributions that the Puerto Rican community has made for the State and City of New York .

During this Banquet, Senator Rubén Díaz together with elected officials will be presenting Proclamations and Recognitions to distinguish members of the Puerto Rican community.

For more information, please call Leila Martinez at 718-991-3161.

25 Members And Associates Of Bronx Drug-Distribution Organizations Charged With Narcotics, Robbery, And Firearms Offenses

  Joon Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Darcel Clark, the Bronx County District Attorney, Ashan Benedict, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) New York, and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), today announced the unsealing of two Indictments charging 25 defendants with a variety of narcotics, firearms, and robbery-related offenses. 

Of the 25 defendants, 21 are associated with a drug-distribution organization operating primarily in the Hunts Point neighborhood in the Bronx and are charged in United States v. Hector Palermo, et al. (the “Palermo Indictment”), which has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods.  Of those defendants, 14 were taken into federal custody today and were presented before Magistrate Judges Barbara C. Moses today.  One defendant, FREDERICK BURGOS, was presented in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.  MIGUEL RAMIREZ, FELIX CORDERO SR., KHAALIQ HARRIS, ANGEL BERMUDEZ, ELVIN MALDONADO, AND STEVEN VEGA remain at large.

The remaining four defendants are charged in United States v. Lattine Clark, et al. (the “Clark Indictment”), which has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick.  Of those defendants, three were taken into federal custody today and were presented before Magistrate Judges Barbara C. Moses today.  One defendant, TREVON NEDD, is currently detained in federal custody on unrelated charges and will be brought into federal custody on a writ.

Manhattan Acting U.S. Attorney Joon Kim said:  “One by one, our office, along with our law enforcement partners, is identifying and prosecuting the violent gangs and drug dealing crews operating in the Bronx. These alleged gangs and drug crews – including the ones charged today – bring narcotics, guns, and violence to our neighborhoods. The residents of the communities they harm deserve better.”

ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict said:  “Today's arrests are the culmination of a nearly two-year long investigation by ATF's Joint Firearms Task Force, NYPD, and HSI into alleged narcotics trafficking, armed robberies, and the illicit possession of firearms by criminal elements operating in the Hunts Point area of the Bronx. Through the cooperative efforts of law enforcement, these individuals are off the streets and will face justice in federal court for their alleged crimes. Today it is a better day to be a resident of Hunts Point, and all of us will continue our efforts to ensure it stays that way. I would like to extend my gratitude to the ATF and HSI Special Agents, NYPD Detectives, and Assistant United States Attorneys for their hard work and dedication throughout this investigation.”

HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Angel M. Melendez, said:  “It’s a good day when more than two dozen alleged gun-wielding drug pushers are taken off the street. These individuals are alleged to deal crack cocaine and heroin in their own backyards and commit robberies at gunpoint.  Today’s arrests are another great example of law enforcement working together in the interest of justice and making our communities safer.”

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said:  “We will continue to pursue those who commit violence in our streets.  This morning’s arrest of 25 defendants in the Bronx is just the latest example.  I’m thankful to the help and cooperation from our many law enforcement partners in this takedown and many others.”

The Indictments arise from a joint investigation by the NYPD, ATF, and HSI into several drug trafficking organizations operating in the Hunts Point area of the Bronx, New York.  As alleged in the Palermo Indictment, the 21 defendants charged in that case are responsible for the distribution of large amounts of crack cocaine and heroin, and used, carried, and possessed firearms in connection with that drug trafficking. 

As alleged in the Clark Indictment, LATTINE CLARK, MICHAEL PATTERSON, and TREVON NEDD participated in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in the Hunts Point area, and RUBEN VIZCARRANDO participated in another conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in Hunts Point.  As further alleged, CLARK was a participant in a shootout, during which he fired a gun, in the vicinity of Coster Street and Spofford Avenue, on October 16, 2016.  PATTERSON, NEDD, and VIZCARRANDO are all alleged to have participated in a Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy, and a gunpoint Hobbs Act robbery of suspected narcotics traffickers in the Marble Hill area on June 22, 2016, during which robbery PATTERSON and another unnamed co-conspirator fired their weapons.         

Count One of the Palermo Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court,[1] charges HECTOR PALERMO, MIGUEL GUZMAN, MIGUEL RAMIREZ, FELIX CORDERO SR.,  MATTHEW PRESTOL, CHRIS ALICEA, KHAALIQ HARRIS, ADRIAN QUINONES, FREDERICK BURGOS, RAFAEL GONZALEZ, ANGEL BERMUDEZ, JUAN CARLOS RODRIGUEZ, JESUS ANDINO, ELVIN MALDONADO, JOSE AYALA, ESTEBAN MARTINEZ, CHRISTIAN RIVERA, STEVEN VEGA, DENISE ORTIZ, CARMEN ROMAN, and ASHLEY RODRIGUEZ with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine and heroin.    

Count Two charges GUZMAN, RAMIREZ, CORDERO SR., PRESTOL, ALICEA, BURGOS, GONZALEZ, RODRIGUEZ, and VEGA, with using, possessing, and carrying firearms in furtherance of the drug conspiracy charged in Count One.

Count Three charges RAMIREZ with possessing ammunition, which had previously been shipped in interstate commerce, after a prior felony conviction.

Count One of the Clark Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court,[2] charges LATTINE CLARK, TREVON NEDD, and MICHAEL PATTERSON with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine.

Count Two charges CLARK with using, possessing, and carrying firearms in furtherance of the drug conspiracy charged in Count One. 

Count Three charges RUBEN VIZCARRONDO with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine.

Count Four charges NEDD, PATTERSON, and VIZCARRONDO with participating in a conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery between 2015 and May 2017.  Count Four charges that this conspiracy involved armed robberies of suspected narcotics traffickers and others involved in commercial activities that affected interstate commerce.

Count Five charges NEDD, PATTERSON, and VIZCARRONDO with committing a robbery of suspected narcotics traffickers on June 22, 2016, in the vicinity of Marble Hill, New York.

Charts containing the names, ages, residences, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants are set forth below.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD, ATF, and HSI, and expressed gratitude for the coordinated efforts of the NYPD’s Violent Crime Squad and 41st Precinct.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Krissoff and Jason A. Richman are in charge of the prosecution.

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

United States v. Hector Palermo, et al.

COUNT	CHARGE	DEFENDANTS	MAX. PENALTIES
1	Narcotics conspiracy   21 U.S.C. § 846	HECTOR PALERMO MIGUEL GUZMAN MIGUEL RAMIREZ FELIX CORDERO SR.  MATTHEW PRESTOL CHRIS ALICEA KHAALIQ HARRIS ADRIAN QUINONES FREDERICK BURGOS RAFAEL GONZALEZ ANGEL BERMUDEZ JUAN CARLOS RODRIGUEZ JESUS ANDINO ELVIN MALDONADO JOSE AYALA ESTEBAN MARTINEZ CHRISTIAN RIVERA STEVEN VEGA DENISE ORTIZ CARMEN ROMAN ASHLEY RODRIGUEZ	Life in prison   Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
2	Using, carrying, possessing firearms in furtherance of narcotics conspiracy   18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c) and 2	MIGUEL GUZMAN MIGUEL RAMIREZ FELIX CORDERO SR. MATTHEW PRESTOL CHRIS ALICEA FREDERICK BURGOS RAFAEL GONZALEZ JUAN CARLOS RODRIGUEZ STEVEN VEGA	Life in prison   Mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison
3	Felon in possession of ammunition   18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g) and 2	MIGUEL RAMIREZ	10 years’ imprisonment

DEFENDANT	AGE	RESIDENCE
HECTOR PALERMO, a/k/a “Hec”	35	Newark, New Jersey
MIGUEL GUZMAN	29	Bronx, New York
MIGUEL RAMIREZ, a/k/a “Mickey”	27	Bronx, New York
FELIX CORDERO SR., a/k/a “Pops”	50	Bronx, New York
MATTHEW PRESTOL, a/k/a “Wiz”	19	Bronx, New York
CHRIS ALICEA	18	Bronx, New York
KHAALIQ HARRIS, a/k/a “Rooster”	21	Bronx, New York
ADRIAN QUINONES, a/k/a “Five”	24	Bronx, New York
FREDERICK BURGOS, a/k/a “Flee,” a/k/a “Lee”	37	Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
RAFAEL GONZALEZ, a/k/a June”	45	Bronx, New York
ANGEL BERMUDEZ, a/k/a “Para”	21	Bronx, New York
JUAN CARLOS RODRIGUEZ, a/k/a “J.C.”	20	Bronx, New York
JESUS ANDINO, a/k/a “Chico”	32	Bronx, New York
ELVIN MALDONADO, a/k/a “LV”	30	Bronx, New York
JOSE AYALA	49	Bronx, New York
ESTEBAN MARTINEZ, a/k/a “Esco”	34	Bronx, New York
CHRISTIAN RIVERA, a/k/a “Rico”	23	Bronx, New York
STEVEN VEGA, a/k/a “Nene”	25	Bronx, New York
DENISE ORTIZ	36	Bronx, New York
CARMEN ROMAN	56	Bronx, New York
ASHLEY RODRIGUEZ	20	Bronx, New York

United States v. Lattine Clark, et al.

COUNT	CHARGE	DEFENDANTS	MAX. PENALTIES
1	Narcotics conspiracy   21 U.S.C. § 846	LATTINE CLARK TREVON NEDD MICHAEL PATTERSON	Life in prison   Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
2	Using, carrying, possessing, brandishing, and discharging firearms   18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), and (iii), 2	LATTINE CLARK	Life in prison   Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
3	Narcotics conspiracy   21 U.S.C. § 846	RUBEN VIZCARRONDO	Life in prison   Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
4	Robbery Conspiracy   18 U.S.C. § 1951	TREVON NEDD MICHAEL PATTERSON RUBEN VIZCARRONDO	20 years in prison
5	Robbery   18 U.S.C. § 1951	TREVON NEDD MICHAEL PATTERSON RUBEN VIZCARRONDO	20 years in prison

DEFENDANT	AGE	RESIDENCE
LATTINE CLARK, a/k/a “Dutts”	20	Bronx, New York
TREVON NEDD, a/k/a “Hat Boy”	31	Federal Custody
MICHAEL PATTERSON	22	Bronx, New York
RUBEN VIZCARRONDO	26	Bronx, New York

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

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

Alleged Street Boss And Underboss Of La Cosa Nostra Family Charged With Murder And Racketering Offenses In White Plains Federal Court

Charges Filed Against Entire Administration of the Luchese Family (Boss, Underboss, and Consigliere), As Well As Four Captains, Five Soldiers, and Seven Associates.

 Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), James P. O’Neill, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), and Walter M. Arsenault, Executive Director of the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor, announced today the filing of a Superseding Indictment charging 19 members and associates of the Luchese Family of La Cosa Nostra with racketeering, murder, narcotics, and firearms offenses.

The Superseding Indictment builds on charges previously filed against Luchese soldier CHRISTOPHER LONDONIO and Luchese associate TERRENCE CALDWELL, who were charged in February 2017 with racketeering offenses, including the murder of Michael Meldish, a Luchese associate who was killed in the Bronx on November 15, 2013.

The Superseding Indictment charges MATTHEW MADONNA, the alleged street boss of the Luchese Family, STEVEN CREA SR., the alleged underboss of the Family, and STEVEN CREA JR., LONDONIO’s alleged captain in the Family, with ordering the murder of Meldish. The Superseding Indictment also contains additional racketeering charges against MADONNA, CREA SR., and CREA JR., as well as the alleged consigliere of the Luchese Family, JOSEPH DiNAPOLI, and numerous other members and associates of La Cosa Nostra.

Fifteen of the defendants charged were taken into custody today. CHRISTOPHER LONDONIO, TERRENCE CALDWELL, and VINCENT BRUNO were already in federal custody on other charges. MATTHEW MADONNA was already in custody on state charges and was transferred today to federal custody. All defendants arrested today will be presented in White Plains federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy this afternoon. The case is assigned to United States District Judge Cathy Seibel, who will hold an initial conference on Thursday, June 1, 2017, at 2:00 p.m.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said: “As today’s charges demonstrate, La Cosa Nostra remains alive and active in New York City, but so does our commitment to eradicate the mob’s parasitic presence. We have charged 19 members and associates of the Luchese Crime Family, including its entire administration – the street boss, underboss and consigliere – with serious racketeering offenses. The defendants allegedly used violence and threats of violence, as the mob always has, to make illegal money, to enforce discipline in the ranks, and to silence witnesses. The mob members and associates charged today will answer for their alleged misdeeds in a court of law.”

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “Organized crime families believe their way of life is acceptable and continue to show through their criminal behavior that they don’t plan to stop. Their crimes aren’t victimless, and this case proves they’re willing to use murder and many other violent tactics to enforce their dominance. The FBI/NYPD Joint Organized Crime Task Force and our other law enforcement partners, who have done exceptional work in this case, don’t plan to stop our pursuit of these crime families because they have a direct negative impact on communities and neighborhoods where they operate.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Angel M. Melendez said: “The Luchese Family and its associates are alleged to be linked to guns, drugs, racketeering, and murder. They are also alleged to have used their criminal enterprise to launder money, tamper with witnesses and extortion. It is clear that this ‘family’ business is of no benefit to its community or to this great city. HSI will continue to strengthen its partnership with the FBI and NYPD to ensure that alleged criminals like the Luchese Family face the consequences of their actions.”

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said: “The allegations and extent of the criminal behavior are extraordinary. The Luchese Family operated with seeming impunity, allegedly carrying out murder, robberies, extortion, among a myriad of other charges unsealed today. We will not stop until violence has been eradicated – be it from a street gang or the mob.”

Waterfront Commission Executive Director Walter M. Arsenault said: “The Waterfront Commission will continue to work with all of its law enforcement partners to eliminate Organized Crime wherever it is found.”

According to the allegations in the Superseding Indictment[1], which was filed in White Plains federal court on May 24, 2017, and was unsealed today:

La Cosa Nostra or “the Mafia” is a criminal organization composed of leaders, members, and associates who work together and coordinate to engage in criminal activities.

La Cosa Nostra operates through entities known as “Families.” In the New York City area, those families include the Genovese, Gambino, Luchese, Bonanno, Colombo, and Decavalcante Families. Each Family operates through groups of individuals known as “crews” and “regimes.” Each “crew” has as its leader a person known as a “Caporegime,” “Capo,” “Captain,” or “Skipper,” who is responsible for supervising the criminal activities of his crew and providing “Soldiers” and associates with support and protection. In return, the Capo typically receives a share of the illegal earnings of each of his crew’s Soldiers and associates, which is sometimes referred to as Atribute.@

Each crew consists of “made” members, sometimes known as “Soldiers,” “wiseguys,” “friends of ours,” and “good fellows.” Soldiers are aided in their criminal endeavors by other trusted individuals, known as “associates,” who sometimes are referred to as “connected” or identified as “with” a Soldier or other member of the Family. Associates participate in the various activities of the crew and its members. In order for an associate to become a made member of the Family, the associate must first be of Italian descent and typically needs to demonstrate the ability to generate income for the Family and/or the willingness to commit acts of violence.

At most times relevant to the charges in the Superseding Indictment, MATTHEW MADONNA was the street boss of the family – that is, the individual who managed the affairs of the Family on behalf of the formal boss, who is serving a life sentence in federal prison. STEVEN CREA SR., a/k/a “Wonder Boy,” was the Underboss of the Luchese Family, and JOSEPH DINAPOLI was the Consigliere of the Luchese Family. Additionally, STEVEN CREA JR., DOMINIC TRUSCELLO, JOHN CASTELUCCI, a/k/a “Big John,” and TINDARO CORSO, a/k/a “Tino,” were Captains or Acting Captains in the Luchese Family. JOSEPH VENICE, JAMES MAFFUCCI, a/k/a “Jimmy the Jew,” JOSEPH DATELLO, a/k/a “Big Joe,” a/k/a “Joey Glasses,” PAUL CASSANO, a/k/a “Paulie Roast Beef,” and CHRISTOPHER LONDONIO were Soldiers in the Luchese Family.

The Superseding Indictment alleges that from at least in or about 2000 up to and including in or about 2017, MATTHEW MADONNA, STEVEN CREA SR., JOSEPH DINAPOLI, STEVEN CREA JR., DOMINIC TRUSCELLO, JOHN CASTELUCCI, TINDARO CORSO, JOSEPH VENICE, JAMES MAFFUCCI, JOSEPH DATELLO, PAUL CASSANO, CHRISTOPHER LONDONIO, TERRENCE CALDWELL, a/k/a “T,” VINCENT BRUNO, BRIAN VAUGHAN, CARMINE GARCIA, a/k/a “Spanish Carmine,” RICHARD O’CONNOR, ROBERT CAMILLI, and JOHN INCATASCIATO, along with other members and associates of La Cosa Nostra, committed a wide array of crimes in connection with their association with the mafia, including murder, attempted murder, assault, robbery, extortion, gambling, narcotics trafficking, witness tampering, fraud, money laundering, and trafficking in contraband cigarettes.

Of particular significance, on or about November 15, 2013, MADONNA, CREA SR. CREA JR., LONDONIO, and CALDWELL murdered and procured the murder of Michael Meldish in order to maintain or increase their status in La Cosa Nostra.

The Superseding Indictment also alleges the following additional violent incidents:

In late 2012, PAUL CASSANO and VINCENT BRUNO, acting at the direction of CREA SR. and CREA JR., attempted to murder a mafia associate who had shown disrespect toward CREA SR.

As charged in the initial Indictment, on May 29, 2013, TERRENCE CALDWELL attempted to murder a Bonanno Soldier in the vicinity of First Avenue and 111th Street, in Manhattan.

In or about October 2016, STEVEN CREA SR. and JOSEPH DATELLO attempted to murder a witness who had previously provided information regarding the activities of La Cosa Nostra to state and federal law enforcement.

A chart containing the ages, residency information, and charges against the defendants, as well as the maximum penalties they face, is attached.

Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Organized Crime Task Force, which comprises agents and detectives of the FBI, NYPD, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor. He also thanked the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, the New York County District Attorney’s Office, the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, the New York State Inspector General's Office, the Chesterfield County (VA) Police Department, and the Guardia Civil (Spain). He added that the investigation is continuing.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Hartman, Hagan Scotten, and Jacqueline Kelly are in charge of the prosecution. The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit and White Plains Division.

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

United States v. Mathew Madonna, et al., S1 17 Cr. 89 (CS)

DEFENDANT	AGE	CITY OF RESIDENCE	CHARGES	MAX SENT.
Madonna, Matthew	81	Incarcerated	18 U.S.C. § 924(c) 18 U.S.C. § 924(j) 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(1) 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5) 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	Life
Crea, Sr., Steven	69	Crestwood, NY	18 U.S.C. § 924(c) 18 U.S.C. § 924(j) 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(1) 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(3) 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5) 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	Life
DiNapoli, Joseph	81	Bronx, NY	18 U.S.C. § 924(c) 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	Life
Crea, Jr., Steven	45	New Rochelle, NY	18 U.S.C. § 924(c) 18 U.S.C. § 924(j) 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(1) 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(3) 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5) 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	Life
Truscello, Dominic	83	Staten Island, NY	18 U.S.C. § 924(c) 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	Life
Castelucci, John	57	Staten Island, NY	18 U.S.C. § 924(c) 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	Life
Corso, Tindaro	56	Staten Island, NY	18 U.S.C. § 924(c) 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	Life
Venice, Joseph	56	Yonkers, NY	18 U.S.C. § 924(c) 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	Life
Maffucci, James	69	Manhattan, NY	18 U.S.C. § 924(c) 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d) 21 U.S.C. § 846	Life
Datello, Joseph	66	Staten Island, NY	18 U.S.C. § 924(c) 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(3) 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d) 21 U.S.C. § 846	Life
Londonio, Christopher	43	Incarcerated	18 U.S.C. § 924(c) 18 U.S.C. § 924(j) 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(1) 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5) 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d) 21 U.S.C. § 846	Life
Cassano, Paul	38	Yonkers, NY	18 U.S.C. § 924(c) 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(3) 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	Life
Caldwell, Terrence	59	Incarcerated	18 U.S.C. § 924(c) 18 U.S.C. § 924(j) 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(1) 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(3) 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5) 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	Life
Bruno, Vincent	33	Incarcerated	18 U.S.C. § 924(c) 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(3) 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	Life
Vaughan, Brian	51	Matawan, NJ	18 U.S.C. § 924(c) 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d) 21 U.S.C. § 846	Life
Garcia, Carmine	65	Hawthorne, NJ	18 U.S.C. § 924(c) 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d) 21 U.S.C. § 846	Life
O’Connor, Richard	63	Staten Island, NY	18 U.S.C. § 924(c) 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d) 21 U.S.C. § 846	Life
Camilli, Robert	60	Briarcliff Manor, NY	18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	20 Years
Incatasciato, John	42	Elmsford, NY	18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	20 Years

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

CEO And President Of Premium Ticket Resale Business Charged With Engaging In A Multimillion-Dollar Ponzi Scheme Resulting In Losses Of At Least $70 Million

Jason Nissen Is Alleged to Have Told Investors He Was Financing Large Purchases of Premium Tickets to Events Such As the Super Bowl, the World Cup, and “Hamilton,” and Instead He Used Investors’ Money on Himself and to Pay Back Other Investors

   Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and William F. Sweeny Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today that JASON NISSEN was arrested and charged in Manhattan federal court today with defrauding victims of at least $70 million by falsely representing that he was using the victims’ money to further a profitable, multimillion-dollar wholesale ticket business.  NISSEN was arrested this morning and will be presented in Manhattan federal court later today. 

Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Kim said:  “Jason Nissen claimed he was investing in premium tickets for events like the Super Bowl, the World Cup and the Broadway hit ‘Hamilton,’ but as alleged, Nissen was actually cheating his investors out of over $70 million and spending it on himself. The veneer of a successful and interesting business was allegedly just that, an alleged cover for a massive Ponzi scheme.”      

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said:   “As charged today, Nissen represented his business as an investment opportunity for those willing to finance the purchase of large quantities of premium tickets to a number of sporting events and entertainment venues.  The tickets were supposed to be sold for profit, but they weren’t.  As alleged, Nissen eventually defrauded his victims out of at least $70 million collectively, all of which he used in furtherance of his scheme and for his own personal gain.  For Nissen, the final quarter didn’t prove as profitable as anticipated; he must now face the penalty for his actions.”

According to the Complaint filed in Manhattan federal court:[1]

Since 2012, NISSEN has operated a ticket resale business (the “Ticket Company”) located in Manhattan, New York, through which NISSEN purchased large quantities of premium tickets for sporting and entertainment events, and then resold such tickets for a profit.  NISSEN was the Ticket Company’s chief executive officer and president.  

The Ticket Company’s website states that “[The Ticket Company] is an industry leader in providing VIP access and premium tickets to all concerts, Broadway theatre, red carpet premieres and sporting events worldwide . . . the Ticket Company stocks one of the largest revolving inventories for sports, concerts, and theatre worldwide.”

From 2015 to May 2017, NISSEN defrauded multiple victims of tens of millions of dollars through the Ticket Company.  NISSEN represented to victims that he would use money lent to him and his ticket business by victims to purchase bulk quantities of premium tickets to sporting and entertainment events such as the Super Bowl, the World Cup, the U.S. Open, and “Hamilton,” and then resell the tickets at a profit.  However, in truth and in fact, NISSEN used the victims’ money in large part to repay other victims and to enrich himself. 

For example, one victim, referred to as “Victim-2” in the Complaint, gave NISSEN and his ticket business more than $1.9 million to be used for the bulk purchase of tickets to a UFC fight in New York to be resold by NISSEN.  Instead of purchasing tickets, NISSEN used the money as follows: (i) he made two cash withdrawals – one for $20,000 and the other for $23,250; (ii) he transferred $383,000 to the bank account of another company he controlled to bring that company’s account balance out of a negativebalance of about $382,000 to a positive balance of about $578; and (iii) he transferred $1,500,050 to his personal bank account, which had a balance of $88 at the time, and then that same day, NISSEN transferred $1,500,025 from his personal account to another victim to whom he owed money. 

To further perpetuate his fraudulent scheme and to raise additional sums from victims, NISSEN falsified financial documents and inflated accounts receivable ledgers, which NISSEN presented to certain victims as purported proof that their money was being used to purchase premium tickets for resale. 

On May 7, 2017, unable to obtain more financing to continue the scheme through existing or new victims, NISSEN admitted to an executive of Victim-2 that he had been operating a Ponzi scheme.  When the CFO of Victim-2 asked NISSEN the next day whether a bank document that NISSEN had previously provided to Victim-2 was forged, NISSEN admitted he had fabricated the bank document.  When asked how he had done so, NISSEN replied: “Photoshop.  Ever hear of it?”  

Two days later, on May 10, 2017, NISSEN told another victim, referred to in the Complaint as “Victim-1,” that he had been committing a fraud and that he had fabricated the income numbers of the Ticket Company that he had been reporting to Victim-1.

In total, JASON NISSEN defrauded victims of at least $70 million.     

NISSEN, 44, of Roslyn, New York, has been charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Kim praised the investigative work of the FBI and noted that the investigation is continuing. 

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

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