Wednesday, February 27, 2019

News From Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO JAIL FOR ABUSING SMALL DOG Defendant Kicked Dog In Head And Sent It Flying Into Brick Wall; Canine’s Eye Had To Be Surgically Removed

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to two years in jail for kicking a small, 10-year-old dog on a Bronx street, leaving the canine with multiple injuries. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant pleaded guilty to kicking a Chihuahua mixed breed dog and will now serve the maximum two-year sentence for the attack. The dog has been traumatized after losing an eye and suffering multiple injuries. We will continue to prosecute those who commit such cruelty against defenseless animals.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Dwayne Smith, 28, of 3538 Tryon Avenue, was sentenced today to two years in jail by Bronx Supreme Court Justice April Newbauer. The defendant pleaded guilty to Aggravated Cruelty to Animals on November 14, 2018. He cannot own an animal for ten years and must register with the NYC Animal Abuse Registry. 

 According to the investigation, on February 21, 2018 on the corner of Wayne Avenue and East Gun Hill Road in the Bronx, the defendant was in a dispute with the dog’s owner and her family members. Nearby surveillance camera video showed the defendant kick the 11- pound dog, named Pooches, in the head with tremendous force, sending her up in the air for several feet until she hit a brick wall. Pooches then fell to the ground unconscious with her right eye bleeding and bulging out of its socket. The dog suffered a fractured cheekbone, extensive bruising, and had to have her eye surgically removed.

 District Attorney Clark thanked Dr. Alison Liu, Forensic Veterinarian of ASPCA; Erin Satterthwaite, Bronx Legal Advocacy Counsel, ASPCA; and NYPD Officer Nicholas Konner of the 52nd Precinct for their assistance.

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS IN PRISON FOR RAPING 64-YEAR-OLD WOMAN IN HER APARTMENT Defendant Followed Victim, Who Uses a Walker, Into Her Building

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 64-year-old woman who used a walker. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant forced himself into the victim’s apartment and raped her while threatening to kill her. Today’s sentence keeps a dangerous sexual predator off our streets.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Unga Smith, 41, who was living in the Bronx Psychiatric Center at the time, was sentenced to 14 years in prison and 20 years post-release supervision today by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrizio. He will continue to be registered as a sex offender upon his release from incarceration. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree Rape on January 24, 2019. 

 According to the investigation, on the evening of January 8, 2018, inside a building in Norwood, the defendant raped the victim inside her apartment. Video surveillance showed Smith following the victim into her building and elevator. He then forcefully entered her apartment, dragged her into her bedroom and engaged in multiple sexual acts with her. Smith intimidated the victim by telling her he had a gun and that he would kill her.

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Christopher D. Ort, formerly of the Bronx Special Victims Squad, and NYPD Detective Evan Johnson of the Bronx Special Victims Squad for their assistance in the investigation.

BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY DARCEL D. CLARK STATEMENT TO CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEES ON PUBLIC SAFETY RE: legalization of marijuana 

  As legalization of marijuana approaches a reality in our state, I and my fellow prosecutors have worked to reform our criminal justice system, including reducing the harmful impacts that the criminalization of marijuana has had on individuals. At the same time, we must maintain public safety. This requires balancing the arc of justice while ensuring the rule of law.

 I am mindful of the disproportionate impact of marijuana arrests on young people of color in the Bronx. In the fourth quarter of 2018 alone, approximately 90 percent of individuals arrested for marijuana possession in the Bronx were either Black or Hispanic.

 As such, until a change in the Penal Law occurs, when an arrest is made for marijuana possession and burning cases, I have instructed Assistant District Attorneys in my Office to decline to prosecute the arrest when only a marijuana charge appears on the complaint, and then direct the police officer to issue a summons.

 This policy carefully weighs the public safety concerns with the realization that far too often these prosecutions create undue obstacles on individuals and the community as whole. 

 When legalization occurs, I stand ready to work with all stakeholders –my fellow district attorneys, the City Council, the Mayor, and others – on successful implementation of legislation such as those pending before the City Council and expunging past misdemeanor marijuana convictions. This helps us move forward by improving public safety, reducing collateral consequences, and creating a fairer and more equitable criminal justice system.

Statement by Council Speaker and Acting Public Advocate Corey Johnson Re: Public Advocate Special Election Results


 “I congratulate my colleague and friend Jumaane Williams on winning last night’s special election and I will do everything I can to ensure a smooth transition in the coming days. In my brief time as Acting Public Advocate, I found the heart and soul of the office to be in listening to New Yorkers and helping people with the problems they face. I know Public Advocate-elect Williams embodies the spirit of helping the New Yorkers most in need and I wish him the best of luck as he takes office.” 

Comptroller Stringer Statement on the Reversal of Exclusionary Metro-North Restriction in the Bronx



  “For more than a century, New Haven line trains have utterly neglected Bronx and Harlem residents—allowing riders from Connecticut and Westchester suburbs to disembark in the city, but refusing service to local New Yorkers.

“Yesterday, the MTA, Metro-North, and Connecticut DOT took an important first step towards addressing and reversing these discriminatory practices—and they should be commended. It was, however, only a first step.
“The Harlem-125th, Melrose, Tremont, Botanical Garden, Williams Bridge, and Woodlawn stations continue to be bypassed by New Haven line trains—leaving Bronx and Manhattan residents with inadequate service. For real transit equity, we need to lower in-city Metro-North and LIRR fares to the $2.75 price of a MetroCard swipe and establish free subway and bus transfers so that New Yorkers aren’t effectively locked out of the 41 commuter rail stations within the five boroughs. We also need to make needed improvements to inaccessible stations that leave mobility impaired passengers stranded.
“Not until these reforms are in place will we have a truly fair and effective commuter rail system worthy of our city and its 8.6 million residents.”
In October, Comptroller Stringer first exposed and demanded an end to the exclusionary MTA, Metro-North, and Connecticut DOT policy that denied transit access to Bronx residents.
To read Comptroller Stringer’s report on the need to lower in-city commuter rail fares and expand rail access “in one swipe,” click here 

REP. ADRIANO ESPAILLAT FLOOR SPEECH RECOGNIZING 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF DOMINICAN INDEPENDENCE


Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following remarks on the U.S. House floor in recognition of the 175th anniversary of the Independence of the Dominican Republic:

Watch Video. (One Minute thirteen seconds)

*Below are remarks as prepared for delivery.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the one hundred and seventy-fifth anniversary of Dominican independence, and the birth of the first country I called home.

On February 27th, 1844, the Founding Fathers of the Dominican Republic, great statesmen and lovers of freedom and democracy, raised the flag of the new Republic in Santo Domingo and proclaimed their independence from Haiti, bringing another democratic republic into the family of nations.

In the words of Dominican icon and independence leader Juan Pablo Duarte, ‘love of country led us to make sacred commitments with the next generation,’ and the commitment that he and his fellow patriots made 175 years ago live on in the hearts of every Quisqueyano, whether they are still on the island of their birth or whether they have made a new home abroad.

Today is a day for all of us to celebrate the contributions of the Dominican people, just as my compatriots celebrate the independence of our people.

Thank you, I yield back.

NEWS FROM CONGRESSMAN ELIOT ENGEL


The Medicare for All Act

  Congressman Eliot Engel, a founding member of the House Medicare for All Caucus, joined more than 100 colleagues today to reintroduce H.R. 1384, The Medicare for All Act, legislation that would provide comprehensive health care to every person in America. Engel has cosponsored every version of this bill since 2004.

Medicare for All would create a universal health care program that enrolls every American at birth. It expands the wildly popular Medicare program, while also adding dental, vision, prescription drugs, women’s reproductive health services, maternity and newborn care, long term services and supports and more. The bill would simplify the health care system, cut administrative costs, improve payment systems to hospitals, and lower the cost of prescription drugs.

“It’s time. In fact, it’s long past time that we finally provided truly universal, comprehensive medical coverage to every American,” Rep. Engel said. “Health care is a human right, not a privilege reserved for a wealthy few. We are the only developed country in the world that still does not guarantee health care to its citizens. We also happen to be the wealthiest. Medicare for All is a moral imperative that must finally be met.

“The legislation we have reintroduced today will lower costs, including on prescription drugs, and ensure everyone gets the care they deserve. I have supported this bill for years, and was proud to help found the Medicare for All Caucus last year. Now, it’s time to take that next big step for the American people. I am hopeful the Medicare for All Act will be considered in the House soon, and I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to step up and join our call to provide health care to every American.”

Engel Statement on House Passage of H.R. 8 the Bipartisan Background Checks Act

  Congressman Eliot Engel, a member of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, issued the following statement after House passage of H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019:

“Today’s passage of H.R. 8 marks a significant shift in how the House does business under new Democratic leadership. After years of obstinance and inaction from Republican leaders, our legislative body has finally passed a major piece of meaningful gun violence prevention legislation to help curtail our nation’s gun violence epidemic. And it is just the start for us.

“It’s nice to be able to move the ball forward on gun safety without having to take over the House floor in protest, as we were forced to do 3 years ago while in the minority. H.R. 8 is a bipartisan, commonsense bill that will require a background check for every gun sale or transfer, with only very explicit exceptions. It’s supported by a wide range of gun safety and law enforcement groups, and has long been championed by the medical and educational communities. More than 90 percent of the American people support background checks, in addition to 90 percent of gun owning households. The only people who don’t want this are the right wing extremists in the NRA, who held a stranglehold on the House by way of their surrogates in the GOP leadership. But Congress doesn’t work for the NRA. We work for the American people, and today House Democrats have made that clear.

“Gun violence has torn our nation apart for far too long. The price American families have paid for Congress’ inaction is immeasurable. We have a moral obligation to act, and H.R. 8 is exactly the type of legislation we needed. I hope we can soon follow suit by passing a new assault weapons ban.”

DANCE DOMINATES AND MARGA GOMEZ OPENS THE 2019 BAAD!ASS WOMEN FESTIVAL



Festival runs from March 1 – 30
With Dance! Theater! Film! Performance! Featuring Fierce Women Artists!

BAAD! - The Bronx Academy of Arts & Dance forges forward with the 19th annual BAAD!ASS WOMEN FESTIVAL, celebrating the empowerment of women through art, culture and performance.  As BAAD! celebrates “20 years of Being BAAD!,” the festival kicks off on March 1 with the return to BAAD! of the powerful and celebrated comedic theatre/performance artist, Marga Gomez, who first performed for the space in 2002. The festival continues through March 30 with seven evenings, mostly driven by the organization’s anchor art form, dance, and also includes theatre, performance and film featuring strong and poignant women. The festival takes place at BAAD!, 2474 Westchester Avenue in the Westchester Square section of the Bronx. Ticket prices vary from free to $25.  Participants can take advantage of the Five for $5 special (you and four “girlfriends” make a group of five and pay only $5 each with a prior reservation.) BAAD! offers discounts to BAAD! members, BCA cardholders and NALAC members, and free admission to residents of 10474 and 10461 zip codes. Ticket offers cannot be combined. Visit www.BAADBronx.org for more details.
The schedule for the shows and events is as follows:
Friday & Saturday, March 1 & 2 | 8PM | $25 General Admission, $20 Student/Senior
MARGA GOMEZ in LATIN STANDARDS
Latin Standards was named The New York Times “Critic’s Pick” for its “winning heart and humor.” Written and performed by GLAAD award winner Marga Gomez, the show recalls her childhood in Washington Heights with her father, Willy Chevalier, comedian, producer, songwriter, Cafe El Pico spokesperson, and prominent figure in the golden era of New York’s Latino variety shows. Latin Standards is an energetic, funny and poignant story of perseverance and creative addiction passed down from immigrant father to lesbian daughter. Directed by David Schweizer.

Friday, March 8 | 8pm | Free
TRANSVISIBLE: BAMBY SALCEDO’S STORY
An inspirational documentary about Bamby Salcedo, a Trans Latina woman, now a renowned international leader and Trans community advocate. Bamby's story honors the human spirit and celebrates the victories of winning in the face of adversity, with a special message to Trans immigrant women that face multiple challenges and oppressions. Directed by Dante Alencastre, screening hosted by Barbra Herr.
Saturday, March 9 | 8pm | $20 General Admission, $15 Student/Senior
FLAMENCO TABLAO CURATED BY NÉLIDA TIRADO    
Bronx-based Flamenco dancer and performer, Nelida Tirado, curates a journey to Spain in celebration of the dynamic rhythmic elements of the traditional flamenco art form: baile (dance), cante (singing), toque (guitar) and jaleo (vocals). Born of the old "Café Cantantes" where spectators enjoyed drinks and a great show, Tirado curates a performance that features a collection of NYC's best Flamenco dancers, singers, and instrumentalists.
Friday, March 15 | 8pm | $20 General Admission, $15 Student/Senior
THEATRICAL TREMORS
This shared evening of theatre and performance features three young women pushing boundaries and shaking up stereotypes with Amelia Bande, Julissa Contreras and Qurell-Amani Wright.

Friday, March 22 | 8pm | $20 General Admission, $15 Student/Senior
ALICIA BAUMAN-MORALES presents HURACÁN: STORM MEDICINE
Alicia Bauman-Morales’ huracán: storm medicine is a personal dance story, living altar and town hall about destruction, translation, and the transformative power of storms. Told from the body and voice of a queer, light-skinned Oakland boricua, storm medicine is queer spanglish dance ritual in homage to the unseen powers that trip us up, shake us awake and call us home.

Saturday, March 23 | 8pm | $20 General Admission, $15 Student/Senior
SOLE SISTERS
The BAAD!ASS Women dance concert is no-holds-barred, daring event with eight choreographers from the Bronx and beyond including Amber Funk Barton, Beatrice Capote, Deborah Conton, Mai Lê Hô and Tamara Williams.

Friday & Saturday, March 29 & 30 | 8PM | $20 General Admission, $15 Student/Senior
DAVALOIS FEARON DANCE presents FOR C.J.
For C.J. is dedicated to Artistic Director Davalois Fearon’s nephew C.J., who was the victim of a fatal asthma attack in 2017. It uses nature to explore themes of loss and remembrance. The dance work celebrates C.J.’s life by telling his story through Fearon’s fluid yet assertive movement vocabulary, with original music by multi-reedist Mike McGinnis, wearable sculpture, costume, makeup designed by interdisciplinary artist Jasmine Murrell and set design by performer and visual artist Myssi Robinson

Crowned “a funky and welcoming performance space” by The New York Times, BAAD! is a performance and workshop space that presents cutting-edge works in dance and all creative disciplines empowering to women, Latinos and people of color and the LGBTQ(lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) community. BAAD! is home to Arthur Aviles Typical Theatre (AATT) and the Bronx Dance Coalition and was founded by Arthur Aviles and Charles Rice-Gonzalez in 1998 in Hunts Point. BAAD! moved to Westchester Square in October 2013 to a gothic revivalist building on the grounds of St. Peter’s Church.

BAAD!/AATT receive support from The Ford Foundation, The NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, The SHS Foundation, The Mertz Gilmore Foundation, The Howard Gilman Foundation, The Lincoln Center Cultural Innovation Fund, The New York State Council on the Arts, Councilmember Mark Gjonaj, The Jerome Foundation, The Emma A. Sheafer Charitable Trust, The New York State Regional Economic Development Corporation, The Yankee Community Benefit Fund, The Rubin Foundation, The Harkness Foundation for Dance, and private donations.
The festival takes place at BAAD!, 2474 Westchester Avenue in the Westchester Square section of the Bronx.

Biaggi-Sponsored Bill to Mandate Charters Provide Feminine Hygiene Products Passed by Senate Today


  The Senate passed Bill S3125 today, confirming a mandate that public schools provide feminine hygiene products includes charter schools. Senator Alessandra Biaggi was the sponsor.

Senator Biaggi said, “I commend the Governor’s ‘Women’s Agenda’ that, among other things, mandated in the 2018-19 budget that public schools provide feminine hygiene products.

“This bill we passed today is very simple. It solidifies and confirms the public health law includes charter schools in the aforementioned mandate. This is needed to make two things crystal clear: menstruation is a public health matter, and charter schools are public schools.

“Reinforcing these truths will help school-age girls and women who attend charter schools in my district, and throughout the state, to fully take part in their educational experience.”

Gang Member Sentenced To Life In Prison For His Role In Murder Of Mother On Bronx Playground


  Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that STIVEN SIRI-REYNOSO was sentenced today to life plus five years in prison for his role in the June 11, 2016, murder of Jessica White.  Ms. White, 28, was killed by a stray bullet while sitting next to her mother and watching her three young children play in the playground of the John Adams Houses in the Bronx, New York.  SIRI-REYNOSO gave the order for that shooting, which targeted a gang rival.  On July 30, 2018, SIRI-REYNOSO was convicted of conspiring to commit racketeering, conspiring to sell narcotics, murder in aid of racketeering, and murder through the use of a firearm after an eight-day trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “On June 11, 2016, Jessica White was murdered in a playground before her mother and her children, the victim of horrific and senseless gang violence.  Stiven Siri-Reynoso ordered that shooting and was responsible for Jessica’s death.  As a result, he will now spend the rest of his life in a federal prison.  We extend our deepest condolences to the members of Jessica’s family, who have experienced tragedy beyond words.  We thank our partners at the FBI and NYPD, who worked tirelessly to achieve this measure of justice for Jessica and her family.  And we affirm our continued efforts to rid our neighborhoods of intolerable gang violence.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment and the evidence at trial:
On June 11, 2016, Jessica White was struck and killed by a stray bullet while sitting on a bench next to her mother and watching her three children play on a playground at the John Adams Houses, where her mother lived.  SIRI-REYNOSO was a member of the “Dominicans Don’t Play” or “DDP” street gang.  The DDP gang was engaged in a dispute between with the rival Trinitarios street gang involving, among other things, SIRI-REYNOSO’s drug sales near the John Adams Houses. 
On the night of June 11, 2016, Trinitarios members tried to attack SIRI-REYNOSO.  In retaliation, SIRI-REYNOSO sent another individual to shoot at the Trinitarios.  SIRI-REYNOSO ensured the shooter had a gun and a mask, and arranged for other gang members to be waiting in a getaway car nearby.  As the shooter began firing, Jessica White got up and called out for her children.  She was struck by one of the bullets and killed.     
SIRI-REYNOSO also committed other crimes in connection with his membership in the DDPs, including drug selling and robbery.
In addition to the prison term, SIRI-REYNOSO, 26, of the Bronx, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department.