MAYOR ADAMS CONVENES SECOND BUSINESS LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEETING TO DISCUSS PRODUCTIVE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND CITY HALL

 

Meeting Focused on Expanding Summer Youth Employment Program and Administration’s Commitment to Public Safety, Reopening Post COVID

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams yesterday met with members of his Business Leadership Council for the second time to discuss ways to better aid New York’s economic recovery by expanding the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and focusing on public safety. The Business Leadership Council includes leaders from over 60 New York City-based companies across various sectors, including technology, life sciences, financial services, media and entertainment, travel and tourism, and real estate. The leadership council was first convened in December 2021 to discuss then Mayor-elect Adams’ priorities for his 100 days in office. The Business Leadership Council aims to ensure a productive partnership and dialogue between the business community and City Hall.

“The partnerships formed through the Business Leadership Council will allow us to collaborate and develop the public-private partnerships that will accelerate our economic recovery and move New York City forward,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “During the meeting, we discussed two of my administration’s most critical priorities — reducing gun violence and summer jobs for our youth — both of which will be vital in getting New York open again.”

 

During the meeting, Mayor Adams and the Business Leadership Council discussed efforts to reduce gun violence by addressing “upstream” factors that contribute to higher crime rates, including lack of high-quality employment opportunities for young New Yorkers. Specifically, Mayor Adams called on Business Leadership Council members to partner with the city in expanding SYEP by hosting participants at their companies and helping to shape these private sector SYEP internships​. On Tuesday, Mayor Adams announced his administration’s support of 100,000 summer job opportunities annually for young people ages 14-24.

 

New York Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Keechant Sewell also joined the meeting to provide an update on the NYPD’s efforts to protect public safety across New York City.

 

“One of the hallmarks of our Administration is to 'Get Stuff Done,’ and to do this we need all the partners in the room,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright. “We are grateful for the engagement of the Business Leadership Council members and their support and commitment to making New York City a safer, healthier, and more prosperous city. We are excited to partner with Business Leadership Council members to provide work opportunities for young people participating in this year's Summer Youth Employment Program." 

 

“The NYPD’s mission of providing public safety for all is foundational in New York City’s ongoing recovery,” said Police Commissioner Sewell. “Police officers work around the clock, utilizing community-led innovations, intelligence-driven strategies, and every tool at their disposal to eradicate the gun violence that leaves far too many victims in its wake and tears at the fabric of city life.”

 

The members of the Business Leadership Council include:

 

• Deborah Snyder, Accenture
• Jenna Foger, Alexandria Real Estate Equities
• Kevin Ryan, Alley Corp
• Stephen Squeri, American Express
• Jose Tavarez, Bank of America
• Susan Lyne, BBG Ventures
• Ryan Williams, Cadre
• Mary Anne Tighe, CBRE
• Edward Skyler , Citigroup
• Caryn Seidman-Becker, Clear
• Michelle MacKay, Cushman & Wakefield
• Peter Carter, Delta
• John Byrne, Dell
• Mark Murphy, Digital Currency Group
• Richard Edelman, Edelman
• Nina Tandon, EpiBone
• Josh Silverman, Etsy
• Carlos Hernandez, JP Morgan
• Ken Chenault, General Catalyst
• Jeff Gural, GFP Real Estate
• Stephen Scherr, Goldman Sachs (retired)
• David   Solomon, Goldman Sachs
• Ellen West, Google
• Nickle  LeMoreaux, IBM
• Greg Lavernder, Intel
• Robin Hayes, JetBlue
• Deidre Quinn, Lafayette 148
• Andrew Milgram, Marblegate Capital
• Linda Kirkpatrick, Mastercard
• Kate Ryder, Maven Health
• Bruce Jackson, Microsoft
• Dev Ittycheria, MongoDB
• Eric Grossman , Morgan Stanley
• Ken Davis, Mount Sinai
• Adena Friedman, Nasdaq
• Jeff Shell, NBC Universal
• Lynn Martin, New York Stock Exchange
• Steven Corwin, New York-Presbyterian
• Barry Gosin, Newmark
• Susan Solomon, NY Stem Cell Foundation
• Kathryn Wylde, Partnership for New York City
• John Foley, Peloton
• Albert Bourla, Pfizer
• Deanna Mulligan, Purposeful
• Jim Whelan, Real Estate Board of New York
• Charles Phillips, Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Recognize
• Jennifer Hyman, Rent the Runway
• Debbie Perelman, Revlon
• Steven Rubenstein, Rubenstein
• Scott Rechler, RXR
• Paula Henderson, SAS
• Eric Schmidt, Schmidt Futures
• Marc Holliday, SL Green
• Horacio Gutierrez, Spotify
• Anthony Casalena, Squarespace
• Nate Ru, Sweetgreen
• Paul Pariser, Taconic Partners
• Jason Clark, Tech:NYC
• Douglas Durst, The Durst Organization
• Jeff Blau, The Related Companies
• Rob Speyer, Tishman Speyer
• Jenny Farrelly, Two Sigma
• Danny Meyer, Union Square Hospitality Group
• Fred Wilson, Union Square Ventures
• Rob Bakish, ViacomCBS
• Anjali Sud, Vimeo
• Chip Kaye, Warburg Pincus
• Neil Blumenthal, Warby Parker
• Sandeep Mathrani, WeWork
• Shan-Lyn Ma, Zola

Man Charged With Illegally Possessing “Ghost” Gun And Multiple Other Guns In Bronx Apartment

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Keechant L. Sewell, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing today of a three-count Indictment charging ERIC LESANE with firearms and drug trafficking offenses.  LESANE was initially charged by Complaint after his arrest on February 1, 2022.  LESANE’s case has been assigned to the Honorable U.S. District Judge Alison J. Nathan.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, the defendant illegally possessed multiple guns, including an untraceable ‘ghost’ gun.  Illegally possessed and untraceable guns pose a serious public safety threat.  Thanks to our law enforcement partners, the defendant’s weapons are now in safe hands.”

Michael J. Driscoll, FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge said: “Mr. Lesane was aware of the conditions attached to his release from prison – he was not allowed to purchase or maintain a firearm.  We allege he possessed several, one of which was an untraceable ghost gun - a class of weapon that poses an increasing threat to our communities. Our goal is to work with our law enforcement partners to get criminals and their weapons off our streets.”

NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said: “Convicted previously in a firearms possession case, Eric Lesane now faces federal indictment for allegedly amassing a stockpile of weapons — including an untraceable ghost gun — while on supervised release. Our NYPD investigators, working with our partners and prosecutors in the United States Attorney’s Office, will never stop pursuing these kinds of cases in our continuing effort to eradicate gun violence in New York.”

Michael Fitzpatrick, Chief U.S. Probation Officer said: “On February 1, Probation Officers from the Southern District of New York performed a search of Eric Lesane’s address. These officers seized several firearms and a large amount of ammunition.  This search exemplifies the importance of communication between law enforcement agencies.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court and in the Complaint and statements made in open Court: 

On February 1, 2022, the United States Marshals Service arrested LESANE, who was previously convicted of a felony related to illegal firearms possession, after an arrest warrant issued for violations of supervised release.  Following LESANE’s arrest, Probation Officers from the United States Probation Office for the Southern District of New York conducted a search of LESANE’s apartment.  In the course of the search, Probation Officers found:

(1) a Ruger Precision Rifle,

(2) a Mossberg Rifle,

(3) a SWD Model M-11 9mm pistol,

(4) a Typhoon 12 Gauge Semiautomatic Shotgun, and

(5) a black pf940c polymer 80 privately made handgun with no serial number—in other words, a “ghost” gun. 

In the course of the search, Probation Officers also recovered multiple high-capacity magazines each containing more than 15 rounds of ammunition, approximately 75 buckshot shotgun shells, additional ammunition, and a quantity of marijuana. 

Probation Officers also found large amounts of paraphernalia that appears to be associated with the “Crips” street gang, including blue clothing and signs, literature that discusses the Crips, and a black and blue baseball bat with a black and blue bandana tied around it, wrapped in barbed wire.

LESANE, 34, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with: (1) possession of firearms following a felony conviction, which carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, (2) marijuana trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and (3) possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed, and a maximum sentence of life 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 defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the NYPD.  Mr. Williams also thanked the United States Probation Office for the Southern District of New York, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Marshals Service for their assistance in this case.

The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Violent & Organized Crime Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth A. Espinosa is in charge of the prosecution. 

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

Court Orders Donald J. Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., and Ivanka Trump to Comply with AG James’ Subpoenas

 

Donald J. Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., and Ivanka Trump Ordered to Appear for Testimony Within 21 Days

Donald J. Trump Ordered to Produce Additional Documentation Within 14 Days

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today won a major victory in her office’s ongoing civil investigation into Donald J. Trump and the Trump Organization’s financial dealings. After hearing arguments earlier today, the Honorable Arthur Engoron of the New York County State Supreme Court ruled that Donald J. Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., and Ivanka Trump must all appear for sworn testimony, and Donald J. Trump must produce additional documents in compliance with subpoenas from the Office of the Attorney General. The judge ordered Donald J. Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., and Ivanka Trump to appear for testimony within 21 days, and ordered Donald J. Trump to produce additional documentation within 14 days.

“Today, justice prevailed,” said Attorney General James. “Donald J. Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., and Ivanka Trump have been ordered by the court to comply with our lawful investigation into Mr. Trump and the Trump Organization’s financial dealings. No one will be permitted to stand in the way of the pursuit of justice, no matter how powerful they are. No one is above the law.”

DEC ADVISES OF AVALANCHE AND HIGH WATER RISK IN ADIRONDACKS DUE TO WARMER WEATHER AND RAIN

 

 The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation today advised backcountry users in the Adirondacks, especially the High Peaks Region, of potential avalanche and high water risk following mild temperatures, high winds, and rain. Warmer weather and rain will melt existing snowpack, swelling waterways and making water crossings dangerous. High winds and a return to colder temperatures will then result in re-freezing. Avalanche danger increases during thaws and snow becomes increasingly unstable as it undergoes freeze/thaw cycles.  

DEC advises that where bridges are not available, do not attempt stream crossings during periods of high, fast-moving water. Water temperatures will be extremely cold and full or partial submersion can quickly lead to hypothermia. Be cautious on frozen bodies of water, especially near shore, over moving bodies of water, and where streams enter and exit lakes and ponds. Follow ice safety guidelines and remember that slush ice is approximately 50 percent weaker than new, clear ice. 

Backcountry downhill skiers, snowboarders, and others who may traverse slides or steep, open terrain should be aware of and prepared for avalanche conditions. Avalanches can occur in any situation where snow, slope, and weather conditions combine to create the proper conditions. While the majority of steep, open terrain is found in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks, avalanche-prone terrain is found on mountains throughout the Adirondacks, including Snowy Mountain in Hamilton County. Skiers and snowboarders should assess their own experience level before going into the backcountry and should be equipped with avalanche safety tools and knowledge, such as participation in an avalanche safety course. 

Andrew Giuliani Guest Speaker at Wednesday Morris Park Community Association Meeting

Wednesday's Morris Park Community Association meeting began as usual with the pledge of allegiance, and a moment of silence for those who have died in the line of fire.  There was a discussion on the current mailbox situation with glued opening. MPCA President Al D'Angelo said that a complaint must be made so the Postal Police are made aware of any problem with the mail or mailbox.

After the NCO officers spoke of the rising crime rates in the 49th Precinct, and how to protect yourself, MPCA Vice-President Yahay Obied asked the officers what store owners can do to protect themselves from attacks on their businesses. He then went on to say it takes over one year at times to open the doors to the public due to certain regulations, and wondered what could be done to shorten the time it takes. That answer would be answered by the guest speaker later. 

The guest speaker was Republican candidate for New York State Governor Andrew Giuliani, who opened with a summary of the current level of crime in New York. He gave a personal note about trying to break up an argument between a man and a woman where as he was hit in the face with a potted plant, a case that is ongoing in Manhattan. He then spoke of the policy of some of the District Attorneys towards crime, noting the Manhattan DA and the memo he sent to his staff on day one. He said he would work to repeal bail reform on day one, and mentioned that the current governor made no mention of it in her speech. He added that the governor should remove any DA who does not do their job, mentioning Manhattan DA Bragg as the example. 

Giuliani continued saying that he would stop crime underground on all underground transportation, which would force the mayor to take care of it above ground. He said he would raise the cap on charter schools, and look to get a voucher program in effect. He said that of the $216 billion dollar budget $30 Billion went to the UFT, and that he wanted to put students first. He wants to understand why Florida with one million more people than New York spends only has a budget of $97 billion dollars. He wants to use the office of governor as a Bully Pulpit to push through the state legislature those and other ideas that he has, like loosing up on some of the regulations that businesses must go through to open. He then took some questions in line with what he had spoken about.  

MPCA President D'Angelo said that people must vote to put in good elected officials, and that the MPCA would be inviting other candidates to speak. He also mentioned that the MPCA will be doing early voting in 2022 for the primary and general election. The early voting begins ten days before the primary and general election, and that it looks like besides the usual Democratic Primary there should be a Republican Primary.   

The Sector A NCO officers give a report on crime in their sector of the 49th Precinct as a very interested Andrew Giuliani  looks on. 

MPCA Vice-President Yahay Obied asks candidate for governor Andrew Giuliani what can be done to help small business owners in cutting some of the red tape that can take over one year to open. 

Candidate for governor Andrew Giuliani praised the work of the NYPD, but said their hands are tied with some of the new regulations and laws that have recently been put in place.

Candidate Giuliani after speaking took questions from the audience, many of which were on topics of what candidate Giuliani was talking about.

MAYOR ADAMS APPOINTS NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT LEADERSHIP TEAM

 

Zachary Iscol Appointed NYCEM Commissioner

 

Christina Farrell Appointed NYCEM First Deputy Commissioner

  New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced two appointments to lead New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM), the agency tasked with coordinating citywide emergency planning and response. Zachary Iscol will serve as commissioner of NYCEM. Christina Farrell will serve as first deputy commissioner, the first woman ever to serve in that role. She previously served as acting commissioner. Staffed by 200 professionals, NYCEM works with agencies across city government to develop disaster readiness plans and respond to emergencies when they arise. Commissioner Iscol and First Deputy Commissioner Farrell will both be responsible for delivering on Mayor Adams’ vision of a safer city by implementing upstream strategies to ensure the city is prepared for and able to mitigate emergencies before they become crises.

 

“Emergencies are inevitable in a city as large and dynamic as ours and, sadly, we have already faced a number of them during my first six weeks in office,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “One of the core functions of government is to keep people safe. Ensuring we have strong leadership to prepare for emergencies and respond appropriately when they occur is critical to this mission. I am proud to have Zach Iscol and Christina Farrell join our team. They are proven leaders, who will help us keep New Yorkers safe and ‘Get Stuff Done.’”

 

“The Adams administration is laser-focused on keeping New Yorkers safe — and these appointments underscore that commitment,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks. “From preparing for the next pandemic to hardening our defenses against natural disasters, the job of NYCEM has never been more urgent. I look forward to working with Commissioner Iscol and First Deputy Commissioner Farrell to deliver on Mayor Adams’ vision for a safer, more equitable city.” 

 

“Throughout my career, whether in combat, addressing a suicide epidemic, or on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, I've seen that government works best when it works together,” said NYCEM Commissioner Zachary Iscol. “Mayor Adams and his administration understand the importance of moving our city upstream and getting city agencies to work together and with their federal, state, and private sector partners to solve the many pressing issues facing New Yorkers. That’s how we create a safer, more equitable and more resilient city. I am incredibly honored to be joining this administration and the remarkable team at NYCEM to make that vision of effective government a reality in addressing 21^st century challenges and crises.”

 

“I am honored to be officially named the first female First Deputy Commissioner of New York City Emergency Management, an agency like no other,” said NYCEM First Deputy Commissioner Christina Farrell. “Over the past 19 years, I have been proud every day to help the residents of New York City during many emergencies, including the 2003 citywide blackout, Hurricanes Irene and Sandy, Ebola, building explosions, blizzards, and, of course, the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The women and men of our agency are beyond dedicated, and consistently give of themselves selflessly to make our city safer and more prepared. I thank Mayor Adams for this opportunity.”

 

“Congratulations to Zach Iscol and Christina Farrell on their appointments as our city's next commissioner and first deputy commissioner of Emergency Management,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “Zach is a lifelong public servant with a proven track record leading through crises and putting others first, and Christina has already proven to be a critical partner in helping our communities recover from too many recent tragedies. I am looking forward to working with both of them in continuing to build a more equitable and resilient borough and city.”

 

“Zach Iscol’s long history of leadership and service to our nation and our city make him an ideal choice to lead our emergency and disaster planning and response efforts as commissioner of New York City Emergency Management,” said Vincent Alvarez, president, New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. “Our city’s workforce is the best in the world, and we’re confident that under Zach’s stewardship, we can continue to improve coordination and cooperation between our municipal agencies and with our state and federal partners — resulting in a safer, more resilient New York City.”

 

“I want to congratulate Zach Iscol on his appointment as our city’s next commissioner of Emergency Management and Christina Farrell as the first deputy,” said Andy D’Amora, former commissioner, NYCEM. “I had the pleasure of working alongside Zach and saw his leadership abilities firsthand, pulling together over 40 federal, state, and city agencies to put politics aside and focus on serving New Yorkers during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic at Javits Medical Center. I know with Zach as commissioner and Christina Farrell as first deputy commissioner the agency and the tremendous team at NYCEM are in good hands and commend the mayor on these exciting appointments.”

 

“During these challenging times for our city, the selection of Zach Iscol as the commissioner of Emergency Management represents a great appointment by Mayor Adams,” said Ken Chenault, chairman, General Catalyst; and former CEO and chairman, American Express. “A true public servant, Zach brings a wealth of crisis management and leadership experience from across the private and public sector that will serve the city well. I look forward to working with him and the rest of the administration to ensure New York’s best days remain in front of us.”

 

“Congratulations to my good friend Zach Iscol,” said Jake Wood, founder, Team Rubicon. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside him in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and he has an incredible track record from leading Marines in heavy combat operations to addressing a suicide epidemic amongst our fellow veterans at home to serving New Yorkers during the most recent pandemic. Zach will do so much to keep the City of New York safe and secure. I look forward to serving and working alongside him again in the future.”

 

“Zach is a great choice to bring fresh insights and energy to NYCEM,” said Kathryn Wylde, president and CEO, Partnership for New York City. “His background of service to the country and state has given him broad exposure to the complex issues that the city must address in preparing for and managing a range of crises.”

 

About Zachary Iscol

 

Zachary Iscol will serve as commissioner of NYCEM. Iscol previously pulled together over 40 federal, state, and city agencies as the deputy director of Joint New York Medical Station, one of the largest and only successful COVID-19 field hospitals in the country. He recently ran for New York City comptroller.

 

As a Marine, Iscol served two tours in Iraq and on other assignments throughout Africa and the Middle East. During his second tour of duty, he led a combined unit of US Marines and Iraqi soldiers in some of the heaviest fighting of the Iraq War during the Second Battle of Fallujah, where he was awarded a Bronze Star for valor. He later helped build many of the components of the Marine Corps’ First Special Operations Command (MARSOC) and was deployed on one of the first MARSOC teams to deploy overseas.

 

Over the past decade, Iscol has built and led businesses and a non-profit health care provider, the Headstrong Project. The Headstrong Project now cares for over 1,000 veterans a week, in more than 30 cities, and provides world-class, cost- and bureaucracy-free mental health care to veterans and service members so that they can recover from hidden wounds and get back to the best versions of themselves.

 

Iscol received his B.A. from Cornell University. He lives in Manhattan with his wife Meredith, their four children, and three rescue dogs.

 

Iscol will report to Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks.

 

About Christina Farrell

 

Christina Farrell will serve as the first deputy commissioner of NYCEM. She has been acting first deputy since October 2021 and acting commissioner since January 2022. Since the beginning of 2022, Farrell managed the citywide response to multiple snowstorms, the tragic Bronx fire, and multiple building explosions. During her time at the agency, Farrell has served as the director of grants, as well as assistant commissioner and deputy commissioner of external affairs. Under her leadership, foundational programs at New York City Emergency Management have been created and grown to national prominence, including the New York City Community Emergency Response Team Program, Ready New York, and Notify NYC. A city employee for more than 27 years, Farrell started at New York City Emergency Management in 2003.

 

She is a graduate of Colgate University and has a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Farrell resides in Whitestone, Queens, with her husband Tim and their four children.

 

11 Members and Associates of the Brooklyn-Based Woo Gang Charged with Multi-Million Dollar COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Fraud

 

The Defendants Allegedly Obtained $4.3 Million by Submitting Fraudulent Claims for Unemployment Insurance Using Hundreds of Stolen Identities

 A criminal complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Romean Brown, Tyrek Clarke, Kennith Desir, Stephan Dorminvil, Kai Heyward, Keith James, Oneal Marks, Jahriah Olivierre, Christopher Jean Pierre, Roleeke Smith and Christopher Topey with conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to obtain millions of dollars in unemployment insurance benefits funded, in whole or in part, by COVID-19 pandemic assistance programs.  Eight defendants were arrested this morning in New York City and will make their initial appearances this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Sanket J. Bulsara.  Heyward was arrested in Delaware and will make his initial appearance this afternoon in federal court in Wilmington.  Brown was arrested in California and will make his initial appearance this afternoon in federal court in Los Angeles.  Olivierre remains at large.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, New York Regional Office (DOL-OIG), and Keechant L. Sewell, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the arrests and charges.

“As alleged, the defendants conspired to steal millions of dollars in pandemic-related unemployment assistance and then brazenly flaunted the proceeds of their crimes on social media,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “These government programs are designed to provide financial assistance to those who are most in need during an unprecedented pandemic.  This Office and its law enforcement partners will vigorously prosecute gang members and anyone else who exploits the pandemic and steals from taxpayer-funded programs.’

Mr. Peace also thanked the New York State Department of Labor for its assistance during the investigation.

“The Unemployment Insurance Program exists to provide needed assistance to qualified individuals who are unemployed due to no fault of their own.  Fraud against the Unemployment Insurance Program distracts state workforce agencies, like the New York State Department of Labor, from ensuring benefits go to individuals who are eligible to receive them. The Office of Inspector General will continue to work closely with our many law enforcement partners, to investigate those who exploit the Unemployment Insurance Program,” stated DOL-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Mellone.

As alleged in the complaint, the defendants are all members or associates of the Brooklyn-based Woo gang.  Between March 2020 and October 2021, the defendants used the personally identifiable information of more than 800 victims to submit nearly 1,000 claims to the New York State Department of Labor for unemployment insurance benefits funded, in whole or in part, by COVID-19 pandemic assistance programs.  The defendants ultimately obtained approximately $4.3 million in unemployment insurance after having filed for approximately $20 million in benefits.  During the period of the charged conspiracy, the defendants posted photos of themselves on social media flashing gang signs, standing in front of luxury vehicles, and holding stacks of United States currency.  Several of the defendants appeared in a music video entitled “Trappin,” which was posted to YouTube on May 8, 2021.  The lyrics of the song include, “Unemployment got us workin’ a lot,” a reference to the defendants’ fraudulent scheme.  

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress established programs and provided additional funding for unemployment insurance benefits for unemployed persons.  These programs included the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which was signed into law on March 27, 2020, and created programs for pandemic unemployment assistance and federal pandemic unemployment compensation.

The charges in the complaint are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Joint Statement by Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams and Finance Committee Chair Justin Brannan Re: Mayor Eric Adams’ Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2023

 

 “As our City looks ahead to a post-pandemic recovery, we must strive to adopt a budget that promotes equity, health and safety for all New Yorkers. Baselined funding for Fair Fares to help support public transit access for low-income New Yorkers and the historic investment in employment for young people are major steps forward for our city. We also appreciate the Mayor’s proposals for new family health services, expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit, and support for the Fair Futures program that assists young people in successfully transitioning out of foster care. We must continue investing in New York City’s families and workforce, while ensuring affordable housing, health equity, small businesses and mental health care are priorities. When we commit our budget to ensuring communities are strong, public safety can be improved and New Yorkers can thrive.  This is a promising start to the budget process, and the Council looks forward to fulfilling its role in examining this Preliminary Budget through hearings and other efforts. We as leaders have a responsibility to ensure that our Fiscal Year 2023 budget advances equity, fiscal responsibility, and a strong recovery for New York City.”