Senator Rivera on Sexual Harassment Allegations against Governor Cuomo

 

"I believe survivors. Coming forward is a courageous act and I believe that choosing not to share your story does not make what you survived any less real or unacceptable.

The serious allegations presented against Governor Cuomo by his former staffer are incredibly upsetting and repulsive. I join the multiple calls made for an immediate independent investigation into them.

If we want to eradicate such egregious behavior from workplaces and elsewhere and to support survivors to overcome their trauma, we must believe them. We must also act firmly and swiftly to hold those who mistreat others and abuse their power accountable, regardless of how powerful they are.”

MAYOR DE BLASIO SIGNS BILLS TO SECURE A RENEWABLE FUTURE FOR RIKERS ISLAND, PREVENT PUBLIC CORRUPTION

 

Mayor Bill de Blasio today signed a package of legislation that will transfer jurisdiction of Rikers Island to the Department of Citywide Administrative Services and require a study of renewable energy generation and storage on Rikers Island, as well as a bill that would prohibit people convicted of a felony related to public corruption from running for elected office.

 

"As we drive a recovery for all of us, there is increased opportunity to reimagine public space,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We also must ensure public servants keep our trust. These bills will create a better and more sustainable future for all New Yorkers.”

 

Intro. 1592-A (Constantinides): This bill transfers jurisdiction of portions of Rikers Island that are not in active use as a jail site to the Department of Citywide Administrative Services beginning July 1, 2021, with the full transfer of Rikers Island to DCAS to be completed by August 31, 2027. This bill also establishes a Rikers Island Advisory Committee that will include members who were in custody on Rikers Island, members whose immediate family members were in custody on Rikers Island, and environmental justice advocates and sustainability experts. The Advisory Committee will make recommendations on the future uses of Rikers Island for sustainability and resiliency purposes.

 

Intro. 1593-A (Constantinides): This bill requires the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability to study the feasibility of constructing renewable energy sources, which could include wind or solar power, and battery storage facilities on Rikers Island.

 

Intro. 374-A (Brannan): This bill disqualifies persons from holding office of Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, Borough President or Council Member if they have been convicted of felonies, or convicted of an attempt or conspiracy to commit a felony relating to public corruption, including: grand larceny of public funds, theft or bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, making false statements if committed through the use of, or in connection with, such person’s elected office, wire and mail fraud, or interference with commerce by threats or violence.

 

“Today is another step forward in the work to transform Rikers Island from a symbol of mass incarceration into a space that benefits all New Yorkers, potentially as a hub for renewable energy. The Council’s top priority is to improve the lives of New Yorkers and that includes addressing climate change and strengthening the public trust, which these bills do," said Speaker Corey Johnson.

 

“For generations, Rikers Island has been a symbol the world over of our country’s failures to truly embody the principles of liberty and justice for all,” said Council Member Costa Constantinides. “With the passage of the Renewable Rikers Act into law, however, we will finally close the book on the island’s brutal history. Now we can begin the work of fulfilling the promise of Renewable Rikers and bringing true restorative and environmental justice to the communities that have long suffered in its shadow. I thank the mayor for his support of the Renewable Rikers Act and to all the advocates whose work led us to this momentous day.”

 

"Serving the public in elected office is a privilege, not a right, and it must be treated as such. Today, when trust and faith in government is at an all-time low, the last thing we need are elected officials who use their position of power to enrich themselves or their friends, get caught, and then come back looking for more. Now more than ever, we need elected officials who take the job because they are determined to build a better future for New Yorkers. With this law, we send a crystal clear message to those who wish to use an elected office to abuse the public trust: corruption is not welcome in New York City, and you don't get a second chance to betray New Yorkers,” said Council Member Justin Brannan.

 

“Securing a renewable future for Rikers Island is a huge win for climate justice in New York City,” said Daniel Zarrilli, New York City's Chief Climate Policy Advisor. “Today’s action by Mayor de Blasio gives us a chance to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity for clean energy, jobs, and environmental justice as we work to end the era of mass incarceration in New York City.  Congratulations to Councilmember Constantinides and the members of the Renewable Rikers coalition. We look forward to the work ahead as we re-imagine Rikers Island to confront our climate crisis and secure a livable future for the next generation.”

 

"The Renewable Rikers Act is an important step in delivering restorative climate justice and a clean energy future for New York City,” said Kate Gouin, Acting Director, NYC Mayor’s Office of Sustainability. “We look forward to studying and realizing the role Rikers Island and those impacted by our criminal justice system will play in our pursuit of a just and sustainable future for all.”  

 

"I'm looking forward to building a much brighter - and greener - future for Rikers Island," said Lisette Camilo, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services. "Working together, Rikers Island can be transformed into an important part of our city's green energy future."

 

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic - FEBRUARY 25, 2021

 

5,703 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide

1,124 Patients in the ICU; 774 Intubated

Statewide Positivity Rate is 3.14%

7-Day Average Positivity - 3.34% - Lowest Since November 27

89 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"We're continuing to see promising decreases in the positivity and hospitalization rates, and these numbers show that our vaccination efforts and the disciplined behavior of New Yorkers are working to beat back this virus," Governor Cuomo said. "Now that our numbers are back on track, we are able to begin reopening more businesses and sectors of our economy - like arts, entertainment and weddings - while continuing to monitor the infection rate to make sure we don't lose any of the progress we've already made. This is all good news - but now is not the time for New Yorkers to get complacent. I encourage everyone to continue doing the things we know are effective in fighting this virus - wash your hands, wear a mask and practice social distancing."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 278,942
• Total Positive - 8,746
• Percent Positive - 3.14%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.34%
• Patient Hospitalization - 5,703 (-173)
• Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week - -731
• Patients Newly Admitted - 675
• Hospital Counties - 55
• Number ICU - 1,124 (-30)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 774 (-26)
• Total Discharges - 144,322 (+663)
• Deaths - 89
• Total Deaths - 38,227

RECOVERY FOR ALL OF US: MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES NEW CHAPTER FOR NYPD LEADERSHP

 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced a new chapter for NYPD leadership, appointing Rodney Harrison as Chief of Department and Terry Monahan as Senior Advisor for Recovery and Safety Planning. In his new role, Monahan will lead the City’s public safety recovery strategy in partnership with Recovery Czar Lorraine Grillo. As Chief of Department, Rodney Harrison will strengthen the City’s neighborhood policing strategy and deepen the bonds between community and police.

 

“Public safety is key to our city’s recovery,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.  “Rodney Harrison and Terry Monahan are trusted change agents who brought neighborhood policing to the five boroughs. I have full confidence that they can fight back the perfect storm of COVID-19 to bring us back, keeping New York City the safest big city in America.”

 

“Rodney has done everything from patrol, to dangerous work undercover to being a detective, a supervisor, a precinct commander. Most notably, he is an architect of our neighborhood policing philosophy. In other words, he has seen this job from every angle. I am proud to have him as my Chief of Department,” said Police Commissioner Dermot Shea.

 

Chief Harrison was selected to head the prestigious NYPD Detective Bureau as the Chief of Detectives in 2019. He is the first African American to hold this position in the Department’s 175-year history. Harrison previously served as Chief of Patrol, where he was responsible for carrying out the City’s neighborhood policy strategy.

 

Harrison grew up in the Rochdale Village neighborhood of Jamaica, Queens. Harrison was inspired to join the NYPD and make a difference following negative experiences with law enforcement. He began his Police career in 1991 as a Cadet with the New York City Police Department, and  after two years on Patrol, became an undercover officer. During his time there he was presented with the Police Combat Cross for Valor when he was involved in shooting incident where his partner was struck and injured. In 1997 he was transferred to the 71 Precinct Detective Squad where he solved several homicides and high profile cases occurring in Crown Heights. Harrison also served in the 73^rd  Precinct in Brownsville and 28 Precinct and the 32 Precinct in Harlem. During his time there he was able to keep crime down every single year, as well as strengthen the relationships with the surrounding community.

 

Later in 2016, he moved on to Patrol Borough Brooklyn North as the Executive Officer of Operations under the leadership of Jeff Maddrey. Harrison went on to become Commanding Officer of Detective Borough Brooklyn North.

 

Terry Monahan spent nearly 40 years in the NYPD and led the City’s groundbreaking neighborhood policing strategy, overseeing its implementation across the five boroughs. As Chief of Department, the highest-ranking uniformed member of the NYPD, Chief of Department Monahan he oversaw roughly 40,000 uniformed and civilian members of the service. He previously served as the commanding officer of the 34th, 46th, and 48th Precincts, as well as Narcotics Borough Manhattan North, executive officer of Patrol Borough Bronx and Patrol Borough Queens North, and the commanding officer of the Office of the Chief of Department, where he began developing the neighborhood policing strategy.

 

“Terry Monahan was a key driver of the NYPD’s neighborhood policing philosophy, said Police Commissioner Dermot Shea. “He has been a leader since he joined the department at the age of 20 Terry’s dedication and spirit was felt by everyone around him. The NYPD’s loss is the Mayor’s gain. I am certain that Terry’s natural confidence and capabilities will be felt as he helps New York City move towards recovery”.

 

Bronx Democratic Party - Bronx City Council Endorsement Updates

 

As you may know, we have some very important races this upcoming June. This year we will be electing a new Mayor, Comptroller, Borough President, and City Council candidates. We have not made any endorsements in the Mayoral race, and we plan to remain neutral in the Borough President race. Below are the endorsements we have made in all of the other races.

Also, just a reminder that petitioning starts on Tuesday, March 2nd. I encourage you to reach out to any of the campaigns listed below or me if you're interested in volunteering. All of the campaigns take the appropriate safety measures to ensure that everyone remains safe while collecting signatures.

Lastly, this Friday, at 7 pm, we will have a Zoom with our endorsed candidates and special guests, Attorney General Letitia James, and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. I encourage you all to join.

CD8- Diana Ayala

CD11- Eric Dinowitz - Special election March 23rd

CD12- Kevin Riley

CD13- Marjorie Velazquez

CD14- Pierina Sanchez

CD15- (no endorsement) - Special election March 23rd

CD16- Althea Stevens

CD17- Rafael Salamanca

CD18- Amanda Farias

Sincerely,

Ariana Collado

Executive Director

www.bronxdems.org

Founder of International Cryptocurrency Companies Indicted in Multi-Million Dollar Securities Fraud Scheme

 

 An indictment was unsealed charging Krstijan Krstic with conspiracy to commit securities fraud, securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering for his alleged participation in a cryptocurrency scheme in which he solicited U.S. investors using two fraudulent online investment platforms.   

Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Nicholas L. McQuaid, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Kristi K. Johnson, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office (FBI), and Ryan L. Korner, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office (IRS-CI), announced the indictment.

“As alleged, Krstic convinced U.S. investors to pour millions of dollars into fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes through misrepresentations and false statements, and then ran off with their money,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney DuCharme. “This Office is committed to vigorously prosecuting those who cheat investors."  Mr. DuCharme expressed his grateful appreciation to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, New York Regional Office, for its assistance with the case.

“Mr. Krstic and others devised fraudulent platforms which purported to offer sophisticated options appealing to bitcoin investors, then fabricated positive reports about the company in an attempt to add legitimacy to the scheme,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Johnson. “Cryptocurrency scams are on the rise. The charges against Mr. Krstic should send a message that the FBI and our partners take securities fraud very seriously and will hold accountable individuals who steal from American investors.”

“This indictment of Kristijan Krstic highlights just how seriously IRS Criminal Investigation and the federal law enforcement community are taking criminal activity related to cryptocurrency and online fraud schemes,” stated Special Agent-in-Charge Korner. “Under the cloak of an international online digital currency exchange, $7 million in investor funds from B2G and Start Options were allegedly funneled from unwitting investors directly to Krstic’s pocket. Whether online or on the streets, financial crime never pays, and IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to work tirelessly to ensure those who are involved are brought to justice.

As alleged in the indictment, Krstic was the founder of two digital-asset investment platforms, “Start Options” and “B2G,” and also served as the chief financial officer of Start Options.  Between approximately 2017 and 2018, Krstic and others fraudulently induced U.S.-based investors to purchase securities in the form of investment contracts in Start Options and B2G.  To perpetuate the fraud, Krstic used the alias “Felix Logan” and created the Twitter handle “@felixlogan_cfo” to communicate with investors in Start Options and B2G. 

Start Options purported to be an online investment platform that provided cryptocurrency mining and digital-asset trading services, including trading in cryptocurrencies, commodities, stocks and indices.  Start Options also claimed that it was “the largest Bitcoin exchange in euro volume and liquidity” and that it was “consistently rated the best and most secure Bitcoin exchange by independent news media.”  B2G purported to be an “ecosystem” that would allow users to trade B2G tokens, as well as digital and fiat currencies, “on a secure, comprehensive platform.”  Krstic and others represented that once investors opened a B2G account, a deposit of B2G “open[ed] a door to all the curtains inside Aladdin’s cave. Dollars buy B2G; B2G tokens can be exchanged back into dollars, or for Euros, or for other national fiat currencies. B2G holdings can be traded for original bitcoin or other altcoins.”

In reality, the money sent by investors in Start Options and B2G was never invested as promised, and instead was funneled to a Philippines-based financial account and digital-currency wallet, and to a U.S.-based promoter of the fraud.  Subsequently, the U.S.-based promoter transferred approximately $7 million in investor funds from B2G and Start Options to Krstic, and Krstic thereafter stopped responding to all communications and absconded with those investors’ funds.  A press release issued by Start Options falsely claimed that the company had been sold to Russian venture capitalists.

The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  

If convicted, Kristic faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment.

This case was investigated by the FBI and IRS-CI.  The prosecution is being handled by the Business & Securities Fraud Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaitlin T. Farrell, Hiral D. Mehta and David C. Pitluck of the Eastern District of New York, assisted by a Special Agent of the Eastern District of New York’s Business & Securities Fraud Section and Trial Attorney Kevin Lowell of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura D. Mantell of the Eastern District of New York’s Civil Division is handling forfeiture matters.  

THE BRONX DEMOCRATIC PARTY MAKES AN ENDORSEMENT FOR NYC COMPTROLLER

 

The Bronx Democratic Party announced today its endorsement of  Brian Benjamin for New York City Comptroller. This office is currently held by Scott Stringer, who is term-limited. The NYC Comptroller serves as the City’s Chief Financial Officer, who safeguards the City’s fiscal health and ensures that municipal agencies serve all New Yorkers’ needs.

“We are honored to endorse Brian Benjamin for New York City Comptroller. In the midst of an unprecedented fiscal crisis, Brian is exactly the experienced, forward-thinking leader we need to oversee our City’s economic recovery – a plan that must center a bold vision for the future of the Bronx. Whether it’s fighting to bring accountability to policing, maximizing pension returns for New York's retirees, investing in M/WBEs, rooting out waste in city agencies, or delivering the resources our communities deserve, Brian has the proven experience to manage our City’s finances and make government work for all New Yorkers. 

 

As Chair of the Senate Budget and Revenues Committee, he successfully fought to protect affordable housing, strengthen tenant protections, and expand criminal justice reforms. Prior to serving in the State Senate, Brian put his financial management background to work for his community – building affordable housing, helping young people develop work skills, and serving as Chair of his Community Board. I have no doubt Brian is prepared to tackle the tough challenges ahead as our next Comptroller and I’m proud to work alongside him for a more just and equitable New York City,” said Chairman Jamaal T. Bailey.

 

“I’m honored to have the endorsement of the Bronx County Democratic Party,” said Senator Brian Benjamin. “My campaign has quickly gained the support of the Bronx, and I look forward to working with this influential group and all the Bronx legislators that have already endorsed my candidacy in building a stronger New York City as your next Comptroller.

District 34 Budget Forum with Senator Biaggi on Feb 26th

 

UPCOMING BUDGET FORUM

*Baja hacia abajo para ver este mensaje en Español.

Dear Community, 

I am writing to you with an important announcement regarding the 2021-2022 Budget. My office will be hosting a Budget Forum on Friday, February 26th from 12:00PM-1:30PM. I encourage all constituents of Senate District 34 to make their voices heard on the 2021-2022 Executive Budget proposal! Each person will have two minutes to virtually testify. 

To testify virtually or submit written testimony prior to the event, please complete this form. You may also submit written testimony ahead of or after the event, by emailing biaggi@nysenate.gov, with the subject line: SD34 Budget Testimony 2021. 

The link to sign-up and receive a zoom link is here: https://bit.ly/3koPJwi. 

I look forward to hearing from you all!