Leader Of Bronx Drug Distribution Organization Sentenced To 35 Years In Prison

  Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that EDWIN ROMERO was sentenced yesterday to 35 years in prison for his role as the leader of a drug distribution organization centered on Weeks Avenue and East 175th Street in the Mount Hope neighborhood of the Bronx, including the murder of Jose Montalvo on May 13, 2004.  ROMERO was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska, after previously pleading guilty to participating in a narcotics distribution conspiracy. 

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “For nearly two decades Edwin Romero was the leader of a major drug organization, responsible for dozens of dealers selling dangerous drugs on the streets of the Bronx, and for numerous acts of violence committed at his direction.  Romero was personally responsible for the cold-blooded murder of Jose Montalvo, whom he shot ten times in May 2004.  The sentence imposed is just punishment for a man who for years held a community in the grip of violence and drugs.  We thank our partners at Homeland Security Investigations and the New York City Police Department for their outstanding work on this case.”

According to the allegations in the superseding Indictment filed against EDWIN ROMERO and statements made in related court filings and proceedings:

Between at least 2000 until March 2017, ROMERO was a member and leader of a long-running narcotics conspiracy centered around East 175th Street and Weeks Avenue in the Bronx, New York.  ROMERO and dozens of members of the conspiracy, including juveniles working at ROMERO’s direction, sold crack cocaine, powder cocaine, heroin, and marijuana every day on the streets and in buildings throughout the neighborhood.  In the course of his participation in the conspiracy, ROMERO committed numerous robberies and acts of gun violence, including the May 13, 2004 murder of Jose Montalvo at the corner of East 175th Street and Monroe Avenue.  He also provided guns to other members of the group, caused subordinates to commit shootings and robberies, and used threats and intimidation to maintain and expand the organization’s territory.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York City Police Department. 

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Arrest Of United States Citizen For Assisting North Korea In Evading Sanctions

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, John C. Demers, the Assistant Attorney General for National Security, John Brown, Assistant Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Counterintelligence Division, and William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the FBI, announced today the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging VIRGIL GRIFFITH, a United States citizen, with violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) by traveling to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (“DPRK” or “North Korea”) in order deliver a presentation and technical advice on using cryptocurrency and blockchain technology to evade sanctions.  GRIFFITH was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport yesterday and will be presented in federal court in Los Angeles later today.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman stated:  “As alleged, Virgil Griffith provided highly technical information to North Korea, knowing that this information could be used to help North Korea launder money and evade sanctions.  In allegedly doing so, Griffith jeopardized the sanctions that both Congress and the president have enacted to place maximum pressure on North Korea’s dangerous regime.”

Assistant Attorney General John Demers said:  “Despite receiving warnings not to go, Griffith allegedly traveled to one of the United States’ foremost adversaries, North Korea, where he taught his audience how to use blockchain technology to evade sanctions.  By this complaint, we begin the process of seeking justice for such conduct.”

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “There are deliberate reasons sanctions have been levied on North Korea.  The country and its leader pose a literal threat to our national security and that of our allies.  Mr. Griffith allegedly traveled to North Korea without permission from the federal government, and with knowledge what he was doing was against the law.  We cannot allow anyone to evade sanctions, because the consequences of North Korea obtaining funding, technology, and information to further its desire to build nuclear weapons put the world at risk.  It’s even more egregious that a U.S. citizen allegedly chose to aid our adversary.”

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

Pursuant to the IEEPA and Executive Order 13466, United States Persons are prohibited from exporting any goods, services, or technology to the DPRK without a license from Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”).

In or about April 2019, GRIFFITH traveled to the DPRK to attend and present at the “Pyongyang Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Conference” (the “DPRK Cryptocurrency Conference”).  Despite that the U.S. Department of State had denied GRIFFITH permission to travel to the DPRK, GRIFFITH presented at the DPRK Cryptocurrency Conference, knowing that doing so violated sanctions against the DPRK.  At no time did GRIFFITH obtain permission from OFAC to provide goods, services, or technology to the DPRK.

At the DPRK Cryptocurrency Conference, GRIFFITH and other attendees discussed how the DPRK could use blockchain and cryptocurrency technology to launder money and evade sanctions.  GRIFFITH’s presentation at the DPRK Cryptocurrency Conference had been approved by DPRK officials and focused on, among other things, how blockchain technology, including a “smart contract,” could be used to benefit the DPRK.  GRIFFITH identified several DPRK Cryptocurrency Conference attendees who appeared to work for the North Korean government, and who, during his presentation, asked GRIFFITH specific questions about blockchain and cryptocurrency and prompted discussions on technical aspects of those technologies.

After the DPRK Cryptocurrency Conference, GRIFFITH began formulating plans to facilitate the exchange of cryptocurrency between the DPRK and South Korea, despite knowing that assisting with such an exchange would violate sanctions against the DPRK.  GRIFFITH also encouraged other U.S. citizens to travel to North Korea, including to attend the same DPRK Cryptocurrency Conference the following year.  Finally, GRIFFITH announced his intention to renounce his U.S. citizenship and began researching how to purchase citizenship from other countries.

VIRGIL GRIFFITH, 36, is a resident of Singapore and citizen of the United States.  GRIFFITH is charged with conspiring to violate the IEEPA, which carries a maximum term 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. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and its New York Field Office, Counterintelligence Division, and thanked the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, for their assistance.

The charge in the Complaint is merely an accusation, 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.

Brooklyn Man Arrested For Attempting To Provide Material Support To ISIS

Zachary Clark Allegedly Disseminated ISIS Propaganda and Bomb-Making Instructions In an Effort to Incite Acts of Terrorism and Violence In New York City and Elsewhere

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the Police Department for the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced that ZACHARY CLARK was arrested today in Brooklyn, New York.  CLARK is charged in a criminal Complaint with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (“ISIS”), a designated foreign terrorist organization, and distributing bomb-making instructions.  CLARK is expected to be presented later today before Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger in Manhattan federal court.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, Zachary Clark twice pledged allegiance to ISIS, and posted on encrypted pro-ISIS chatrooms numerous exhortations and instructions on bomb-making and other terrorist acts to be carried out in New York.  Thanks to the Joint Terrorist Task Force, Clark now faces serious criminal charges for his alleged support of a terrorist organization bent on killing Americans.”

Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers said:  “The defendant allegedly provided instructions for how to plan attacks on U.S. soil, encouraging ISIS supporters to attack in well-populated locations.  The National Security Division is committed to identifying and holding accountable those who support foreign terrorist organizations and pose a threat to our communities.

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “As alleged, Clark championed his support for ISIS, disseminated hate-filled messages via encrypted chatrooms, and encouraged like-minded individuals to carry out vicious attacks in the name of jihad. While today’s arrest reminds us that there are still people out there who embrace the idea of inflicting harm on others in this way, it also presents evidence of the dedication and resolve of the FBI’s JTTF here in New York who, along with our many partners, successfully confronts threats of this nature head-on, day in and day out.”

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said:  “Today’s arrest in Brooklyn is a reminder that New York City remains a top terrorism target in the United States. The NYPD and all of our law-enforcement partners remain vigilant in this ongoing fight against terror and anyone who would plot to do us harm.”

As alleged in the criminal Complaint,[1] filed on November 25, 2019, in Manhattan federal court:

CLARK pledged allegiance to ISIS twice, first in or about July 2019, to its then-leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and then in or about October 2019, to ISIS’s new leader, Abu Ibrahim al-Sashemi al-Qurayshi, who was elevated after al-Baghdadi’s death.  Beginning in at least March 2019, CLARK disseminated ISIS propaganda through, among other avenues, encrypted chatrooms intended for members, associates, supporters, and potential recruits of ISIS.  CLARK’s propaganda included, among other things, calls for ISIS supporters to commit lone wolf attacks in New York City.  For example, on or about August 3, 2019, CLARK posted instructions about how to conduct such an attack, including directions on how to select an attack target, how to conduct preoperational surveillance, how to conduct operational planning, and how to avoid attracting law enforcement attention when preparing for and conducting the attack.  On another occasion, CLARK posted a manual entitled “Knife Attacks,” which stated, among other things, that discomfort at “the thought of plunging a sharp object into another person’s flesh” is “never an excuse for abandoning jihad” and that “[k]nives, though certainly not the only weapon for inflicting harm upon the kuffar [non-believers], are widely available in every land and thus readily accessible.”  CLARK urged the participants in encrypted chatrooms to attack specific targets, posting maps and images of the New York City subway system and encouraging ISIS supporters to attack those locations.  CLARK’s guidance also included posting a manual entitled “Make a bomb in the kitchen of your Mom,” which included detailed instructions about constructing an explosive device. 

CLARK, 40, of Brooklyn, New York, is charged with (1) one count of attempting to provide material support to ISIS, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and (2) one count of distributing information relating to explosives, destructive devices, and weapons of mass destruction, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Berman and Assistant Attorney General Demers praised the outstanding efforts of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the NYPD, and over 50 other federal, state and local agencies.  

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 are only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation

VNNA CHRISTMAS PARTY 12/2/19 AND TREE LIGHTING 12/15/19

On Monday December 2, 2019, Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance (VNNA) is having their annual Christmas Party! From 7pm to 7:45pm we will have our meeting with Senator Biaggi as our Guest Speaker. At 7:45pm the Party starts and is being catered by our Van Nest Merchant, Fine Food, as last year! Come by and mingle, even if it is for a quick bite, come on by and say Hello! Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Holidays....peace to all in our community!

On Sunday December 15th at 4:00pm we will begin our annual Christmas Tree Lighting with some old fashioned Christmas caroling, hot coco and cookies in front of the white cross, The Convent Gardens, on Van Nest Ave between Unionport Road and Victor Street! Bring your flashlights to see the song sheet and listen for Santa arriving shortly after to welcome the children with presents. Bring in the Holiday season with singing and peace in our hearts.

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO SIX TO 12 YEARS IN PRISON FOR SCAMMING UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANT COUPLE OUT OF $106,000

Defendant Posed as Attorney, Taking Money to Get Citizenship Papers; Threatened Victims with Deportation

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a man has been sentenced to six to 12 years in prison for defrauding a Bronx couple of more than $106,000 by posing as a lawyer who could provide the undocumented immigrants with citizenship. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution of the full amount. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant preyed on a hardworking, trusting married couple for five months by promising them green cards and extended Visas in exchange for more than $106,000 dollars. He passed himself off as a lawyer. He threatened to have them deported when they couldn’t come up with the money. We will not tolerate victimization of vulnerable people.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Robert Byrd, AKA Saul Roberto, 67, was sentenced today by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Robert Neary to six to 12 years in prison for second-degree Grand Larceny, two to four years for first-degree Scheme to Defraud, and one year for Practicing/Appearing as an Attorney-at-Law Without Being Admitted. All sentences are to run concurrently. The Judge also imposed a civil order of restitution for $106,603.21 and a permanent order of protection. A jury found the defendant guilty of the charges on July 29, 2019. 

 According to the investigation, between August 22, 2015 and January 31, 2016, the defendant posed as a wealthy business man in the music production industry and as an attorney. He promised he would be the couple’s employee sponsor and get their visa. As their alleged "sponsor" he made them believe he was providing them with all these services. The defendant never provided any documentation; instead he always told the victims there was a problem in the process and that he needed money to fix it. He threatened to call federal authorities and have them deported when they couldn't pay him.

Comptroller Stringer and Institutional Investors to McDonald’s: Hold Corporate Executives Accountable for Misconduct with Robust Clawback Policies

Former McDonald’s CEO Steven Easterbrook Terminated for Inappropriate Relationship with Subordinate, Yet Allowed to Collect More Than $41 Million in Severance

  New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer and other institutional investors called on the McDonald’s Corporation Board of Directors to implement robust clawback provisions in light of the termination of former McDonald’s CEO Steven Easterbrook after express and unambiguous violations of McDonald’s Standards of Business Conduct. Comptroller Stringer decried the Board’s decision to provide Mr. Easterbrook with substantial post-employment benefits as “tone deaf at the top,” particularly considering the company’s painfully slow and still inadequate response to widespread sexual harassment in McDonald’s restaurants.

On November 3, 2019, Mr. Easterbrook was separated from the McDonald’s Corporation after engaging in a inappropriate relationship with a subordinate employee. The Board determined that Mr. Easterbrook’s conduct violated McDonald’s policies; however, Mr. Easterbrook’s termination was characterized as “without cause,” which allowed him to retain approximately $41.8 million in severance pay as well as equity grants.

“McDonald’s decision to insulate a powerful man from the consequences of his actions threatens to undermine the fledgling steps the company has taken to address its pervasive sexual harassment problem,” said New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer. “The board needs to remedy this situation by demonstrating that, going forward, it will set a strong tone at the top and take its responsibility for overseeing the Company’s sexual harassment prevention efforts far more seriously.”

In a letter to the Board of Directors, Comptroller Stringer, CtW Investment Group and the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum called on the McDonald’s Corporation to restore investor confidence in its judgment and the Company’s reputation by immediately taking the following steps:

• Modify McDonald’s clawback policy to empower the Board to apply it in cases where an executive’s actions violate the Company’s Standards of Business Conduct, or when those actions damage the Company’s reputation.
• Require shareholder approval for any future exemption from the general policy requiring forfeiture of unvested equity grants at termination of employment.
• Adopt the enhancements to the Company’s approach to preventing sexual harassment as described in the letter.

Cllr Doug McMurdo, chair of Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (LAPFF) said: “In order to ensure investor confidence is preserved, it is important for management decisionmaking to dependably align with company policy. McDonald’s decision to allow the departing CEO to retain equity grants appears to be inconsistent with company policy and as such is poorly judged. The company should act to remove ambiguity from the relevant contract provisions to ensure directors are not rewarded for breaching rules or company policies in future.”

Dieter Waizenegger, Executive Director of the CtW Investment Group, said: “Negotiating a separation with a CEO is an extraordinary test for any board, but McDonald’s directors have failed to send the right signals that the company will hold its executives accountable. The Board is in serious need of the right tools to assure shareholders that it’s able to provide adequate oversight over management throughout its restaurant system. A shareholder vote on severance pay, a stronger clawback policy and good reporting on the board’s oversight of human capital are critical first steps to win back investor confidence.”

In 2013, the Comptroller’s office successfully negotiated an expanded clawback policy at Wells Fargo. Three years later, following a letter from Comptroller Stringer, the board of directors used the expanded clawback policy to recoup $60 million from the company’s CEO and another executive in the aftermath of the Wells Fargo fake account scandal. Since 2014, the Comptroller’s office has filed 18 clawback-related proposals, which were enacted by 11 companies.

The Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (LAPFF), founded in 1991, is a voluntary association of 82 public sector pension funds and six pools based in the UK with combined assets of approximately $320 billion. It exists to promote the long-term investment interests of local authority pension funds, and to maximize their influence as shareholders to promote corporate responsibility and high standards of corporate governance amongst the companies in which they invest.

The CtW Investment Group works with union-sponsored pension funds to enhance long-term stockholder value through active ownership. These funds have over $250 billion in assets under management and are substantial McDonald’s shareholders.

Bronx Youth Empowerment Program Visits Seniors at Workman's Circle

  With Councilman Andy King members of the Bronx Youth Empowerment Program visited seniors at the Workman's Circle Multi Care center in the 12th Council District as part of their Generations program.

 The youth ranging from elementary and middle school, sang holiday songs and engage in personal time with the residents at the facility.  The goal of the program is to teach Bronx YEP members the importance of be compassion, kindness, love and acceptance to others; especially our Bronx Seniors.

Above and below - members of Bronx YELP help seniors at lunch time.