MAYOR ADAMS AND GOVERNOR HOCHUL UNVEIL JOINT SECURITY OPERATIONS CENTER TO COMBAT CYBERSECURITY ATTACKS

 

Collaborative Effort Will Foster Greater Statewide Coordination and Bolster City’s Defenses Against Cyber Threats

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, along with the mayors of Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Yonkers, today unveiled the new Joint Security Operations Center (JSOC) that will bolster New York State’s ability to combat cybersecurity threats and attacks. The center — headquartered in Brooklyn — will be a first-of-its-kind hub for coordinating cybersecurity efforts across New York State, helping to foster collaboration among city, state, and federal entities.

 

Mayor Adams, today, also signed Executive Order 10, which sets forward the roles and responsibilities of the New York City Cyber Command (NYC3) under the direction of the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation, overseen by New York City Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Matt Fraser. The order also requires each city agency to designate a cyber command liaison who will work with the Office of Cyber Command to share information, monitor threats, and adopt best practices around cyber security.

 

“Technology runs our water, controls our electricity, and notifies us during an emergency, so cyber attacks have the ability to bring our entire city to a halt if we are not prepared,” said Mayor Adams. “Our city is a prime target for those who want to cause destruction, and while New York City Cyber Command is already a national model for impeding these threats, it’s time our cybersecurity gets moved to the next level. The new Joint Security Operations Center will take an integrated and holistic approach to hardening our cyber defenses across the city and the state, building on the robust cyber infrastructure New York City has developed in recent years. We thank Governor Hochul and our fellow mayors for recognizing the urgency of this challenge, and the importance of working together to confront a common threat that connects us all.”

 

“New York has the opportunity to pioneer an integrated, statewide approach to cybersecurity, and I’m proud to announce this innovative partnership with Mayor Adams and New York City, our upstate cities, and government and business leaders across the state,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “Cybersecurity threats pose a risk to every facet of our lives. That's why I put improving our cyber infrastructure at the forefront of my administration as we chart a course to better protect our state and our citizens. The Joint Security Operations Center will serve as the epicenter in helping to defend against this emerging threat.”

 

The JSOC will be staffed by NYC3, federal and state law enforcement entities, and representatives from local and county governments. The command center will strengthen New York State’s threat detection capability by centralizing telemetry data — allowing officials to assess and monitor potential threats in real time. The JSOC will also streamline threat intelligence and responses in the event of a significant cyberattack.

 

In 2017, New York City created NYC3 through Executive Order 28. The body coordinates the city’s cyber defenses across more than 100 agencies and offices — helping monitor, deter, and respond to potential cyber threats. NYC3 has developed and launched NYC Secure — a first-of-its-kind, free application that provides warnings to users when suspicious activity is detected on their mobile devices — and implemented new protections on public Wi-Fi networks. NYC3 has also led the nation in developing protocols and policies to prepare for and prevent cyberattacks.

 

“Hardening our defenses against the growing threat of cyberattacks will take a whole-of-government approach,” said First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo. “New York City has already led the nation in building its cyber infrastructure, and today’s announcement underscores our commitment to working together with our statewide partners to confront this problem and ‘Get Stuff Done.’”

 

“In this modern era of intensifying cyberattacks on municipalities and critical infrastructure, the creation of this Joint Security Operations Center marks a transformational moment for cybersecurity in New York State — one that has the potential to make us the most cyber-resilient state in the nation,” said New York City Chief Technology Officer Matthew Fraser. “It’s a prime example of Mayor Adams’ unparalleled commitment to leveraging technology to ‘Get Stuff Done’ for New Yorkers — in this case, improving their safety and well-being — and a tribute to Governor Hochul’s prioritization and investment in New York’s cybersecurity infrastructure. Thanks to their leadership and vision, this center will erect a formidable shield around the state’s cyber perimeter, and 20 million New Yorkers will be the beneficiaries.”

 

Last year, then-Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams joined The City University of New York (CUNY) Chancellor Felix V. Matos-Rodriguez and New York City College of Technology President Russell K. Hotzler to call for greater investments in cybersecurity education. At the time, they cited cybersecurity as a burgeoning field, and highlighted the urgent need to prepare New Yorkers — particularly those who are currently underrepresented in the tech sector — for roles in that field. Under the leadership of the CTO, JSOC will pursue partnerships with local educational institutions, such as CUNY, to develop a cyber curriculum and build out the talent pipeline to connect graduates with jobs in public and private sectors.

Governor Hochul Signs Conditional Cannabis Cultivation Bill

 

Bill Provides Opportunity for New York's Hemp Farmers to Grow Cannabis this Spring  

Conditional Licenses Fast-Tracking State's Adult-Use Cannabis Program and Putting New York's Farmers First  

Leading with Cultivation Licenses will Help Ensure Products Are Available to Launch Upcoming Adult-Use Program  

Includes Provisions to Ensure Equity and Inclusion, and Environmental Sustainability  

 Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation creating a new Conditional Adult-use Cannabis Cultivator license, establishing a pathway for existing New York hemp farmers to apply for a conditional license to grow cannabis in the 2022 growing season for the forthcoming adult-use cannabis market. Under the law, conditionally licensed cannabis farmers must meet certain requirements, including safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly cultivation practices, participation in a social equity mentorship program, and engagement in a labor peace agreement with a bona fide labor organization.   

"I am proud to sign this bill, which positions New York's farmers to be the first to grow cannabis and jumpstart the safe, equitable and inclusive new industry we are building," Governor Hochul said. "New York State will continue to lead the way in delivering on our commitment to bring economic opportunity and growth to every New Yorker in every corner of our great state."   

Office of Cannabis Management Executive Director Chris Alexander said, "I can't thank Governor Hochul and the Legislature enough for providing us with the tools to make up for lost time while also keeping equity and inclusion at the center of the new cannabis industry we're building in New York. With this bill, we're putting New York farmers, not big corporations, at the forefront of our industry while protecting public health by delivering safely grown products. We are immediately getting to work implementing the bill so that our farmers can start planting this spring."   

With a conditional adult-use cannabis cultivation license, farmers can grow outdoors or in a greenhouse for up to two years from the issuance of the license. It also allows them to manufacture and distribute cannabis flower products without holding an adult-use processor or distributor license, until June 1, 2023.Cultivators are limited to one acre (43,560 square feet) of flowering canopy outdoors or 25,000 square feet in a greenhouse and can use up to 20 artificial lights. They can also split between outdoor and greenhouse grows with a maximum total canopy of 30,000 square feet as long as greenhouse flowering canopy remains under 20,000 square feet.     

The OCM will be developing a license application process and opening the program as soon as possible. To qualify for an Adult-use CannabisConditional Cultivator License an applicant must have been an authorized industrial hemp research partner for the Department of Agriculture and Markets, cultivating hemp for its non-intoxicating cannabinoid content for at least two of the past four years and in good standing as of December 31, 2021, when the research program ended.   

Holders of the license must also participate in a social equity mentorship program where they provide training in cannabis cultivation and processing for social and economic equity partners, preparing them for potential roles in the industry. Growers will also have to meet sustainability requirements to ensure the cannabis is grown in an environmentally conscientious way.   

The Governor's action today builds on the quick work she and the OCM have undertaken to bring the new cannabis industry to life in New York. In January ,the Governor's Executive Budget proposed a $200 million program that will use industry licensing fees and revenue to provide support to eligible applicants from communities impacted by the overcriminalization of cannabis during its prohibition. The Governor and the Legislature also moved quickly to appoint the Cannabis Control Board and OCM leadership within weeks of the start of her administration. Since the Board held its first meeting on Oct. 5, the OCM has:   

• Launched the Cannabinoid Hemp Program, putting in place protections for the public and provisions to help New York's CBD businesses compete;  
• Vastly expanded access to the Medical Cannabis Program, including empowering health care providers to determine if medical cannabis can help their patients, lowering costs by permanently waiving patient fees and allowing the sale of whole flower, and growing the list of providers who can certify patients; and  
• Launched its first wave of community outreach events with 11 regional events, including one in Spanish, that's already engaged more than 5,000 attendees; and  
• Developed a pipeline of talented professionals to join the Office's growing team and built the infrastructure to support the office.      

Former Owner Of Tax Preparation Business Convicted Of Fraud, Identity Theft, And Money Laundering Crimes

 

Ariel Jimenez Sold the Stolen Identities of Children to Thousands of His Customers, Triggering Tens of Millions of Dollars in Fraudulent Tax Loss

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ARIEL JIMENEZ, a/k/a “Melo,” was convicted today following a two-week jury trial before the Honorable Sidney H. Stein.  As the jury found, between in or about 2009 through in or about 2015, JIMENEZ, the owner of a tax preparation business in the Bronx, New York (the “Business”), sold the stolen identities of minors to his customers so that his customers could claim inflated tax refunds.  The jury convicted JIMENEZ of four counts: conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Ariel Jimenez’s tax and identity theft crimes cruelly forced his victims to endure bureaucratic snafus and agonizing delays for their much-needed tax refunds. Jimenez now stands convicted, and now faces years in federal prison. Today’s conviction is a stark reminder that tax fraud results in real-world victims and real-life consequences.”

According to the Indictment, evidence presented during trial, court documents, and statements in open court:

Beginning in or about 2007, JIMENEZ founded the Business.  From the outset, JIMENEZ obtained hundreds of stolen minor identities and, working with his co-conspirators, sold those identities, as fraudulent dependents, to his customers for between $1,000 and $1,500 in cash.  JIMENEZ personally received $1,000 in cash for every identity sold.  JIMENEZ and his co-conspirators callously referred to these stolen identities as “pollitos,” meaning little chickens.  In some years, JIMENEZ sold more than a thousand identities, resulting in personal profits to him of more than $1 million per year.  In addition, JIMENEZ also made hundreds of thousands of dollars every year in the tax fees that his Business charged just to prepare fraudulent tax returns.  In return for their participation in this scheme, the customers received thousands of dollars in inflated tax refunds.

JIMENEZ’s use of stolen identities harmed the actual caretakers of the fraudulently claimed children.  In some cases, the people actually taking care of these children had much-needed tax refunds delayed and were required to prove their actual connection to their own dependent children.

JIMENEZ used the profits from his tax preparation business to acquire millions of dollars of real estate, in addition to funding his lavish lifestyle.  By his own admission, JIMENEZ spent more than $5.5 million of the Business’s proceeds on properties in the United States and abroad, jewelry, cars, and gambling.  In or about March 2016, JIMENEZ transferred several properties purchased with fraud proceeds to his parents, for little to no value, in order to conceal the criminal source of the funds used to purchase the properties. 

One of the primary credits claimed by JIMENEZ and the Business for their clients was the Earned Income Tax Credit (“EITC”).  The EITC is intended to provide tax relief or tax refunds for qualifying low and moderate income working individuals and families.  Between tax years 2009 and 2014, the Business filed approximately 14,199 personal income tax returns claiming the EITC.  In total, these returns claimed approximately $37,910,246 in the EITC alone.  During these years, between 54% and 62% of all personal income tax returns filed by the Business claimed the EITC.  By comparison, approximately 41% of all returns filed by tax preparers in the Bronx and approximately 20% of all returns filed by tax prepares nationwide claimed the EITC.

JIMENEZ was first arrested in November 2018, along with eight of his co-conspirators.  JIMENEZ is the last of the defendants charged to be convicted.  The remaining eight defendants have pleaded guilty to fraud and other offenses.

ARIEL JIMENEZ, 38, of Bronx, New York was convicted at trial of one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States with respect to tax returns, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years; conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years; aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of 2 years; and money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.  The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.  JIMENEZ is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Stein on June 6, 2022.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the IRS-Criminal Investigation.  

News from BP Gibson: Resources and Updates

 

Dear Neighbors,

 

We had a great week as we traveled across the borough spending time with many of you. On Thursday, we held our Kosova Independence Day event and honored some incredible leaders and trailblazers making a difference in our city. Our office also partnered with elected officials, city agencies, community leaders, and nonprofit partners to provide food, PPE and COVID-19 home testing kits in various neighborhoods throughout the borough, made visits to several schools, supported some of our local businesses, participated in cultural celebrations, and so much more. 

I also want to remind you that New Yorkers who get either their first vaccine shot or a booster dose at vaccination sites operated by the city or the SOMOS community care network will receive a $100 bonus, issued via a pre-paid debit card. Please continue to encourage your loved ways to get vaccinated.

Additionally, I want to once again remind you that applications to join your local community board are open, and we are encouraging everyone ages 16 and up to apply. You can click HERE for more information on how to apply in English or in Spanish.

 

As always, I remain committed to leading this borough forward as we work towards building a healthier, safer Bronx for everyone.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or by emailing webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.

In partnership,

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

In the Community

Borough President Gibson joins Mayor Eric Adams and the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs to celebrate Black History Month and thank essential workers at Lincoln Hospital. Borough President Gibson visits The Bronx River Community Center for their monthly game night.

Borough President Gibson and Deputy Borough President Peguero join the Association of Dominican-American Supervisors and Administrators for their Dominican Heritage Month celebration. Deputy Borough President Peguero visits The Lit Bar, a small locally owned business in The South Bronx and the only Bronx based bookstore.

Borough President Gibson joins Council Member Oswald Feliz and Assembly Member Chantel Jackson to distribute COVID-19 home testing kits at Twin Parks East Apartments. Borough President Gibson and Acting Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez celebrate the Independence of Kosova.

Borough President Gibson attends the Black History Month event at Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health and Science Charter School and speaks with students. Borough President Gibson speaks with students at Bronx School for Law, Government and Justice about civic engagement.

Borough President Gibson joins Bronx Executive Superintendent Erika Tobia at West Bronx Academy for the Future to distribute tablets to students impacted by the Twin Parks Northwest Apartment fire. Borough President Gibson speaks with students at Samara Community School.

Borough President Gibson and Council Member Velazquez distribute COVID-19 home testing kits on City Island. Borough President Gibson cuts the ribbon on a new school-based health clinic at PS/MS 004 in Crotona Park West.

Borough President Gibson visits R.A.I.N. Eastchester Older Adult Center to celebrate Valentine's Day. Borough President Gibson joins her fellow Borough Presidents to introduce the Million More Trees Initiative. Celebrating Culture in The Bronx Join us on Friday, February 25, 2022 for our Black History Month Celebration! Doors Open: 5:30pm Location: 1703 Bronxdale Avenue, Bronx, NY Fire Safety Task Force In response to the fire at Twin Parks North West, I joined with my colleagues on the federal, state and local level to form a Fire Safety Task Force dedicated to finding legislative solutions to preventing another horrific tragedy. Congressman Torres and Senator Schumer have already announced federal legislation that would address: SPACE HEATERS A federal law to require space heaters to have an automatic shutoff and to require the Commission on Consumer Product Safety to establish mandatory safety standards for the manufacturing of space heaters.   SELF-CLOSING DOORS  A federal law requiring federally funded or regulated multi-family developments to have self-closing doors (on apartment units, stairwells, etc.) and requiring owners and operators to inspect and certify—under penalty of perjury, on a monthly basis—that the doors are properly functioning and self-closing.    HEAT SENSORS A federal law requiring the installation of heat sensors in all federally funded or regulated multi-family housing developments. HUD, as well as the state and local housing administrator, shall receive real-time reports that flag when the level of heating in a unit is out of compliance with Housing Quality Standards when it comes to heat.    COMPLIANCE WITH ALL STATE & LOCAL BUILDING, FIRE, & HOUSING CODES A federal law clarifying that federally funded or regulated multi-family housing developments are required to comply with state and local building, fire, and housing codes.    HOUSING QUALITY STANDARD (HQS) INSPECTIONS A federal law to require HUD to disclose the results of HQS inspections in a publicly searchable online database.   If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or by emailing webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - FEBRUARY 21, 2022

 

Statewide Hospitalizations Below 2,600 - Lowest Since Before Thanksgiving

Statewide 7-Day Average Positivity Is Below 2.20 Percent

41 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.  

"The virus is in retreat, but our fight against this pandemic isn't over," Governor Hochul said. "While it might be tempting to let our guard down, I urge all New Yorkers to please remain vigilant and use the tools we have at our disposal. Vaccines work - get your shot if you haven't yet, get boosted if you have, and make sure your friends and family do the same." 

Today's data is summarized briefly below:  

• Test Results Reported - 75,109
• Total Positive - 1,483
• Percent Positive - 1.97%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 2.16%
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,522 (-52)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 216
• Patients in ICU - 440 (-3)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 239 (-6)
• Total Discharges - 283,877 (+236)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 41
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 54,492   

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 68,628   

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.     

• Total vaccine doses administered - 36,720,330
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 9,656
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 213,076
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 91.5%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 82.7%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 95.0%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 85.4%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 81.1%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 71.1%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 80.9%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 72.9%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 88.6%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 75.2%     

Bronx Progressives - Join Us for the Birth of New Bronx-Wide Progressive Organization

 

EDITOR'S NOTE:

We want to let the public know that at the last Bronx Progressive meeting we were asked to promote it as we are again. We signed up and were given the link as we have been for this event, but at the last event we waited ten minutes to be allowed in. We were then cut off from the meeting when Mr. Michel Beltzer began speaking, and not allowed back into the meeting.  

What were you hiding from us Mr. Beltzer that we don't already know, being experts on the petition process, and challenging petitions? 

We signed up and received the link for this meeting, so If you do not see us at this meeting ask Michael Beltzer why is Robert Press not here?

The Bronx is a wonderful place to live, but It has many needs. Our community deserves better, yet we continue to see game-changing bills held up in committees in the New York State. If enough Bronxites join together and make their voices heard, we can improve our chances to effect that change!

On Thursday, March 3rd at 7:00 PM progressives from all over the Bronx will join together on Zoom to launch a Bronx chapter of the New York Progressive Action Network (NYPAN), an affiliate of the national group Our Revolution. Join with them and us and be part of something which will make a difference.

Our speakers will be two Bronx legislators who are lead sponsors on important bills:

State Senator Gustavo Rivera will speak on The New York Health Act which would fix our broken healthcare system.

Assembly Member Karines Reyes will speak on The New Deal For CUNY which would restore free tuition to the CUNY system and make sure it is funded adequately.

There will also be speakers who will explain how you can influence the Democratic Party by running for seats on the New York State and Bronx County Committees.

Come and make a difference together on Thursday, March 3rd at 7:00 PM.

To RSVP For The Zoom

CLICK HERE 

Brothers Sentenced in Heroin Trafficking Conspiracy

 

 Two Louisville men were sentenced on Friday, February 18, 2022, for conspiring to distribute over three-quarters of a kilogram of heroin in Jefferson County, Kentucky.  Marcus Bennett, 44, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for conspiring to distribute over 700 grams of heroin.  Eric Bennett, 43, was sentenced to 11 ½ years in prison for his role in the heroin trafficking conspiracy, as well as an additional 5 years to be served consecutively, for a total sentence of 200 months, for carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

The Bennett brothers had been charged in connection with the drive-by shooting of a U.S. Postal carrier that took place on February 10, 2016.  The mail carrier survived the shooting, and the case went to trial in late June 2021.  The Defendants were acquitted of charges related to the shooting but convicted of possessing and selling a significant quantity of heroin during the same time period.

“I commend the work of the prosecution team and the Postal Inspectors who investigated this case,” stated United States Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky.  “Those who conspire to distribute illegal drugs in our communities should note that such activity will end with a lengthy stay in a federal prison – where parole is not an option.” 

“The United States Postal Inspection Service diligently conducts investigations such as these to protect the mail system from being used for criminal purposes, such as drug transportation,” stated Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the Pittsburgh Division. “These efforts continue to keep our communities safe from illegal drugs.” 

The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa J. Ford prosecuted the case.

Speaker Adams, Responds to Governor Hochul’s Mental Health Investments & Mayor Adams’ Subway Safety Plan

 

New York City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams released the following statements in response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s investments into mental health care and Mayor Eric Adams’ subway safety plan, jointly announced.

Speaker Adrienne E. Adams said, “Increased mental health care resources and responses are essential to advancing public health and safety in New York City, whether it’s inside or outside of the transit system. Governor Hochul’s actions to increase state funds for mental health care and supportive housing are greatly needed and appreciated. Mayor Adams’ plan to expand the B-HEARD program that utilizes mental health professionals to respond to mental health-related 911 calls is a welcomed approach as well. When we focus on intervening early to prevent crises with the right response and responders, it is in best interest of New Yorkers’ health and safety.

“There are parts of the Mayor’s subway safety plan that seem positive and we look forward to reviewing in more detail, such as the increase in health services at DHS sites, creation of drop-in centers near subway stations, and increased coordination across government,” continued Speaker Adams. “Other areas of the plan need to be examined in greater detail. When it comes to ramping up NYPD enforcement of MTA rules of conduct to force people out of the subway system, we need to be very careful that those efforts aren’t counterproductive by criminalizing people who are in need of housing or treatment. Cycling people through a destabilizing revolving door of the criminal justice system to end up in a worse condition back on the subways and our streets would only make us less safe. For those who need housing or treatment, outreach workers empowered with real pathways to the solutions people need are best equipped to ensure we solve underlying challenges.

“We thank the Governor and Mayor for their continued attention to these issues and look forward to partnering to ensure we are employing the most effective approaches to make New York City healthier and safer.”