Lab Owner Sentenced for $463M Genetic Testing Scheme

 

A Georgia man was sentenced to 27 years in prison for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare by submitting over $463 million in genetic and other laboratory tests that patients did not need, and that were procured through the payment of kickbacks and bribes.

According to court documents, Minal Patel, 44, of Atlanta, owned LabSolutions LLC (LabSolutions), a lab enrolled with Medicare that performed sophisticated genetic tests. Patel conspired with patient brokers, telemedicine companies, and call centers to target Medicare beneficiaries with telemarketing calls falsely stating that Medicare covered expensive cancer genetic tests. After the Medicare beneficiaries agreed to take a test, Patel paid kickbacks and bribes to patient brokers to obtain signed doctors’ orders authorizing the tests from telemedicine companies. To conceal the kickbacks and bribes, Patel required patient brokers to sign sham contracts that falsely stated that the brokers were performing legitimate advertising services for LabSolutions, when, as Patel well knew, the brokers were deceptively marketing to Medicare beneficiaries and paying kickbacks and bribes to telemedicine companies for genetic testing prescriptions.

“In one of the largest genetic testing fraud cases ever tried to verdict, this sentence makes clear that the Department will seek justice for those who put profits above patient care, including owners and executives,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The sentence also demonstrates the Criminal Division’s ongoing commitment to fighting telemedicine and genetic testing fraud that exploits patients and drains health care benefit programs.”

Patel knew the telemedicine doctors robo-signed prescriptions for expensive genetic testing even though they were not treating the beneficiaries, often did not even speak with them, and made no evaluation of medical necessity. From July 2016 through August 2019, LabSolutions submitted more than $463 million in claims to Medicare, including for thousands of medically unnecessary genetic tests, of which Medicare paid over $187 million. In that timeframe, Patel personally received over $21 million from Medicare in connection with the fraud.

“Deception, kickbacks, and bribes have no place in the provision of legitimate genetic testing and telemedicine services to patients who need them,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office. “Patel bilked hundreds of millions of dollars from Medicare through a complex testing fraud scheme. He is now paying the price for this crime. The FBI commends the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) for their close partnership and diligence working this joint investigation. Our message to those who commit Medicare fraud and steal from U.S. taxpayers is clear: you will be caught and you will be held accountable.”

“This outcome sends a strong message that HHS-OIG will not tolerate those who exploit Medicare patients and who pay kickbacks to providers to prescribe medically unnecessary genetic tests, all for illegitimate financial gain,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Julie Rivera of the HHS-OIG. “Our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the Medicare program remains unwavering.”

The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Jamie de Boer, Emily Gurskis, Reginald Cuyler Jr., Katherine Rookard, and Patrick Queenan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marx Calderon for the Southern District of Florida is handling asset forfeiture proceedings. An asset forfeiture hearing is scheduled for Aug. 25.

The case was brought as part of Operation Double Helix, a federal law enforcement action led by the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, focused on fraudulent genetic cancer testing that has resulted in charges against dozens of defendants associated with telemedicine companies and cancer genetic testing laboratories for their alleged participation in one of the largest health care fraud schemes ever charged. 

PAC Fundraiser And PAC Treasurer Charged With Multi-Year Schemes To Defraud Donors

 

Richard Zeitlin Allegedly Used His Multimillion-Dollar Telemarketing Call Center Business to Defraud Donors Through False and Misleading Fundraising Calls That Represented Political Action Committees as Charities — And Instructed Employees to Destroy Records to Cover Up His Crimes

Robert Piaro, Treasurer of Four Political Action Committees, Allegedly Defrauded Donors by Falsely Representing How Their Donations Would Be Spent

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced that RICHARD ZEITLIN and ROBERT PIARO were arrested and charged in connection with their schemes to defraud donors while soliciting money for certain political action committees (“PACs”).  ZEITLIN was additionally charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice and obstruction of justice.  ZEITLIN was arrested in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is expected to be presented in federal court in Nevada this afternoon.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan.  PIARO was arrested in Fredonia, Wisconsin, and is expected to be presented in federal court in Wisconsin this afternoon.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Richard Zeitlin and Robert Piaro lied to donors who thought they were giving to groups that were helping veterans, aiding law enforcement officers, and fighting breast cancer.  Instead, Zeitlin and Piaro allegedly exploited these important causes and the good intentions of everyday citizens to steal millions of dollars in small donations.  Today’s arrests demonstrate this Office’s commitment to ensuring that those who exploit charitable causes and political action committees for their own personal gain will be held responsible for their crimes.”   

FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “Zeitlin and Piaro are alleged to have made calculated decisions to purposely defraud donors to political action committees with misrepresentations and lies over an extended number of years.  Deliberately deceiving those who make such contributions creates unwitting victims out of those interested in voicing an opinion.  If you are a victim of Piaro or Zeitlin, please contact us at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.  The FBI is committed to ensuring anyone who callously perpetrates fraud on the American public using political action committees are held accountable in the criminal justice system.”

According to the allegations in the Indictments against RICHARD ZEITLIN and ROBERT PIARO unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]

PACs are entities registered with the Federal Election Commission that may be tax-exempt and collect money to advocate on behalf of or against certain causes and political candidates.  By contrast, charities, unlike PACs, typically provide direct services to communities or causes. 

From at least in or about 2017 up to and including in or about 2020, ZEITLIN used his telemarketing call center business and various associated entities to defraud numerous donors by providing misleading and false information about how the donors’ money would be spent and the nature of the organizations to which they were giving.  Specifically, ZEITLIN directed his employees to alter the call scripts used when calling potential donors on behalf of certain PACs in order to mislead potential donors into believing that they would be giving to a direct-services organization (i.e., a charity), rather than to a political advocacy organization (i.e., a PAC).  Among other things, when one PAC treasurer confronted ZEITLIN with complaints from donors that solicitation calls falsely represented a PAC as a charity, ZEITLIN falsely denied that the calls were being made, acknowledged that such calls would be inappropriate, and refused to give the treasurer any call recordings that would have revealed his fraud.  ZEITLIN directed that these lies, misleading statements, and misrepresentations be made so that donors would be more likely to give money, thereby increasing the funds raised and profits for his businesses – which typically received approximately 90% of the funds donated.  In or about May 2022, after learning that ZEITLIN and his businesses were under federal investigation, ZEITLIN directed his employees to delete electronic messages relating to his businesses. 

From at least in or about 2017 up to and including at least in or about December 2022, PIARO was the owner and treasurer of four PACs: Americans for the Cure of Breast Cancer, the Association for Emergency Responders & Firefighters, the US Veterans Assistance Foundation, and Standing By Veterans (the “PIARO PACs”).  PIARO raised over $28 million from hundreds of thousands of donors nationwide through false statements and misrepresentations about how contributions to the PIARO PACs would be spent.  For example, at PIARO’s direction, the PIARO PACs misrepresented to donors that donations would be used to advance specific legislation, educate lawmakers, and conduct and fund research, when PIARO did not and did not intend to follow through on those representations. 

If you believe you are a victim of fraud perpetrated by RICHARD ZEITLIN and/or ROBERT PIARO, please contact USANYS.PACFraud@usdoj.gov or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov. 

ZEITLIN, 53, of Las Vegas, Nevada, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with telemarketing and one count of wire fraud in connection with telemarketing, which each carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice and one count of obstruction of justice, which each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

PIARO, 73, of Fredonia, Wisconsin, is charged with one count of wire fraud in connection with telemarketing and one count of mail fraud in connection with telemarketing, which each carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.

The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI. 

If you believe you are a victim of fraud perpetrated by ZEITLIN, please find more information here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/united-states-v-richard-zeitlin. 

If you believe you are a victim of fraud perpetrated by PIARO, please find more information here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/united-states-v-robert-piaro.

The charges contained in the Indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictments and the description of the Indictments set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Governor Hochul Highlights Nearly $14 Million Available to Advance Innovation in Clean Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Projects

 

Round One Makes Up to $8 Million Available to Address Challenges of Decarbonizing Industrial Process Heat and Advancing Clean Hydrogen Production and Renewable Energy Integration

Supports Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act Goals to Reduce Emissions 85 Percent by 2050 and 100 Percent Zero-Emission Electricity by 2040

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a nearly $14 million initiative to advance clean hydrogen research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) projects. The first round of funding makes up to $8 million available for projects that address the challenges of decarbonizing industrial process heat and advancing clean hydrogen production and renewable energy integration. Today's announcement supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goals to reduce emissions 85 percent by 2050 and transition to 100 percent zero-emission electricity by 2040.

“New York State is leading the nation in advancing clean hydrogen technologies and we are committed to staying ahead of the curve in this new industry,” Governor Hochul said. “Through our support for emerging innovation in the hydrogen field, we are solidifying our leadership position in developing this alternative fuel to help reduce emissions, create the jobs of the future in our state, and secure a healthy and sustainable New York for generations to come.”

Through the first round, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is seeking applicants comprised of single entities or teams to compete for funding under two technical challenge areas including hydrogen applications to decarbonize industrial process heat and clean hydrogen production and integration with renewable energy. Proposals will be accepted in the following categories:

Category A: Feasibility and Research Studies - Conduct preliminary research into the concepts underlying new products, systems, strategies, or services as a first stage of development that are necessary to ultimate product development and commercialization.

Category B: Product Development – Advance efforts that are crucial to the development of a marketable technology product, system, strategy, or service and any testing or validation of an innovation that is not already commercially available and may lead to the commercialization of products manufactured in New York State.

Category C: Pilot and Demonstration Projects - Demonstrate and test innovative technologies, systems, strategies, or services that require testing to reach commercialization or are already commercially available but have not yet gained industry acceptance or significant deployment in New York State.

Category D: Federal Cost Share Projects – Provide New York-based companies funding to achieve Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), DOE, US National Laboratory, or other federal funding award cost-sharing requirements, and increase the likelihood of successful company development and technology commercialization. Projects must still support the challenge areas for each round.

Applications for Round One will be accepted through 3:00 p.m. on October 23, 2023. For additional information and associated documents, visit NYSERDA’s website here.

Round Two, anticipated to open later this year with up to $5.8 million available, will build on Round One with three new technical challenge areas to include mitigation of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from hydrogen combustion, hydrogen storage technologies and hydrogen-based generation systems for microgrids and grid support services.

NYSERDA President and CEO and Climate Action Council Co-Chair Doreen M. Harris said, “New York is fostering a clean-hydrogen ecosystem that supports our emissions reduction goals while advancing the technology needed to scale this growing and impactful resource. Each project awarded will become a part of the State’s holistic plan to support the exploration of hydrogen as a resource while advancing the development of a connected network of projects across the state – from production and manufacturing to end use –that will increase job opportunities, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and help us better integrate renewables onto the grid.”

This new funding will operate in tandem with New York State’s overall advancement of a clean hydrogen ecosystem which includes a May funding announcement focused on providing cost share for projects applying for federal clean hydrogen funding opportunities and the Northeast Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (NE Hub) initiative. While the NE Hub proposal submitted focuses on clean hydrogen deployment across the broader Northeast region, the initiative announced today will fund RD&D efforts that are most relevant and critical to advance a clean hydrogen economy in New York and support the achievement of the Climate Act goals. Awarded projects will pave the way for future hydrogen hub project deployment and strengthen the regional hydrogen strategy put forth by the NE Hub states including New York, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Vermont, and over 100 hydrogen ecosystem partners. The group’s collaborative proposal was submitted to the U.S. Department of Energy in early April for hydrogen hub funding and designation as a regional hub under the federal Infrastructure and Jobs Act. DOE’s decision is expected in the fall of 2023.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and Climate Action Council Co-Chair Basil Seggos said, “The significant investment announced today to support hydrogen research and innovation is advancing New York’s efforts to reduce fossil fuel use as part of our ambitious climate agenda. The clean hydrogen projects supported by this funding will aid New York’s transition to a clean energy economy tomorrow and help meet the State’s aggressive climate targets to ensure a cleaner, greener environment for future generations."

The initiative announced today was developed in alignment with the Climate Action Council’s Scoping Plan approved in December 2022, which identified strategic use of low-carbon fuels such as clean hydrogen as an important means of decarbonizing sectors that are challenging to electrify. In addition, environmental justice and disadvantaged community stakeholder perspectives have been instrumental in shaping the challenges and areas of focus for solicitations.

This announcement builds on New York State's investments in research, development, and commercialization to support innovators that are accelerating the low emissions and carbon sequestering technologies needed to meet the state's goal for economy-wide carbon neutrality. NYSERDA's Innovation program is deploying $800 million over 10 years as direct investments via grants and wrap-around commercialization support. More than $680 million in private investments and $200 million in project finance capital have been enabled, and more than 450 innovative clean energy products have been commercialized as a result of NYSERDA's technology and business development investments, including LED lighting systems, home appliances, longer-lasting batteries, and more efficient heating-and-cooling systems.

Funding for this initiative is through the State’s 10-year, $6 billion Clean Energy Fund. More information about this funding is available on NYSERDA’s website here.

New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan

New York State's nation-leading climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economywide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York's unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $35 billion in 120 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $2 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 165,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector in 2021 and over 3,000 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, including requiring all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in the State be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York’s climate action with nearly 400 registered and more than 100 certified Climate Smart Communities, nearly 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State’s largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the state to help target air pollution and combat climate change.

DEC TO HOST FOURTH ANNUAL WOMEN'S FISHING EXPO ON SEPT. 16, 2023

 

Expo Presented by Women for Women and Girls; Expo Emphasizes Fly-Fishing Opportunities

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) will hold the fourth annual Women's Fishing Expo at Connetquot River State Park Preserve on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“New York is home to some of the world's best fishing destinations and DEC is proud of the fact that women are a fast-growing segment of the fishing and outdoor recreation community,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “The annual Women's Fishing Expo gives participants the skills and knowledge to feel confident about getting outdoors and casting a line.”

“Fishing is a great way to enjoy the beauty of our great State Parks year-round,” State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. “We're glad to work with DEC to offer this Women's Expo again, which opens up opportunities to learn more about a lifelong sport and make it a family experience or simply a quiet getaway.”

“DEC is happy to be partnering with New York State Parks once again to bring back the Women’s Fishing Expo for its fourth year,” DEC Regional Director Cathy Haas said. “These expos are tremendously effective in introducing more women to Long Island’s plentiful fly-fishing opportunities and we look forward to its continuing success this year.”

The Women's Fishing Expo will provide hands-on instruction and experiential learning in a fun and supportive environment. This event will be run primarily by women anglers and fisheries professionals and will also feature women-owned businesses and fishing clubs for networking opportunities. Everyone is welcome to attend, although the event is focused on introducing women and girls to fishing.

Expo activities begin at 10 a.m. and are free of charge. Participants will be able to learn about fishing on Long Island and statewide, fishing basics and intermediate fishing skills, basic knots, fly-tying demonstrations, fly-casting instruction, fisheries management information, a trout hatchery tour, marine fishing information, and free fly fishing on the renowned Connetquot River. Fly casting and flyfishing are limited to those aged 14 and older.

This is a rain or shine event. Spots are limited, and pre-registration is required. For more information, or to register, call the DEC's I FISH NY Program at (631) 444-0283, or email fwfish1@dec.ny.gov with the subject title 'Women's Fishing Expo.'

A vehicle use fee of $8 will be in effect. Parking is free for Empire Passport holders. The 2023 Empire Passport can be purchased for $80 at State Parks offices, or online at the New York State Parks website.

For information about freshwater fishing on Long Island, call the DEC Bureau of Fisheries at (631) 444-0283, e-mail fwfish1@dec.ny.gov or visit DEC's website.

In 2022, 19.8 million women went fishing in the U.S., a 40-percent increase over the past decade according to the latest annual Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) Special Report on Fishing. This is the highest number the group has recorded since participation tracking began in 2007. Overall, women make up 36 percent of fishing participants, according to the report.

New York State has expanded recreational opportunities of residents and tourists, positioning New York as a recreation destination, connecting communities to State lands, and improving the quality of life. The NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative is an effort to improve recreational opportunities for sportsmen and women and to boost tourism activities throughout the state. This includes streamlining fishing and hunting licenses, reducing license fees, improving access for fishing, and increasing hunting opportunities. In support of this initiative, $10 million in NY Works funding was dedicated to fish hatchery repairs and 50 new land and water access projects such as boat launches, hunting blinds, trails, and parking areas.

To further encourage fishing, DEC and partners hold free clinics throughout the state and offer Free Fishing Days since 1991 to allow all people the opportunity to sample the incredible fishing New York has to offer. For a current schedule, visit the DEC website. The site will be updated as new events are added throughout the year.

DiNapoli and Glasgall Op Ed: The Ravitch Way: Trying Times Call for Transparency and Accountability

 

THE RAVITCH WAY: TRYING TIMES CALL FOR TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

The Bond Buyer published an op-ed from New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and William Glasgall, Senior Director, Public Finance, at the Volcker Alliance, a nonprofit based in New York City. The full op-ed is below:

In 2020 and 2021, the federal government sent an unprecedented amount of money to states and localities to blunt the impact of lockdowns and other COVID-19 pandemic-related challenges.

The New York State Comptroller's office issued a report showing that the surge in federal spending in federal fiscal year 2020 meant that every state had a positive balance of payments — the dollars sent to the federal government compared with the amount given back — for the first time in recent memory.

As state and local governments continue to spend down federal funds, legislators, advocates, and others are now asking very important questions: How have these funds been used? How do state and local finances look in the aftermath of the pandemic? Has fiscal federalism entered a new era, and will state budget practices be transformed along with it? At the core of these questions is one main issue: transparency.

For states to create a more transparent, understandable process for reporting finances, they must improve the systems and processes for how they conduct and report public accounting practices, debt, and disclosures.

The first component in improving transparency in the finances of state and local governments is improving public accounting practices. In New York in the 1970s, we saw first-hand how a lack of transparency — coupled with generous spending and an over reliance on debt and accounting gimmicks enabled by cash basis budgeting — brought New York City to the precipice of bankruptcy.

As the city emerged from its crisis, in part due to the stewardship of a true civic leader, Richard Ravitch, state legislators enacted key transparency and accountability policies and procedures that helped it regain and improve its fiscal standing in the markets.

Dick, the former New York State Lieutenant Governor, who died in June just shy of his ninetieth birthday, spent the last half of his life fighting for greater fiscal responsibility by states and cities. We are grateful for his friendship and his passionate discussions with us over the years on this subject have greatly informed this article.

Dick's beliefs in durable foundations can be seen not only in his work as a builder of office and residential towers, but also in his efforts to shore up New York City's financial base. As part of New York State's Financial Emergency Act, the city was required in law to undertake a complete overhaul of its accounting and financial reporting and practices, overseen by a financial control board.

The most notable of these changes was its adherence, for the first time, to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for its budget as well as annual comprehensive financial reports. This comprehensive accounting forced the city away from the cash basis accounting it had used in budgets to hide its fiscal issues through the use of borrowing and other maneuvers.

While this was a unique and foundational change in the city's financial practices, additional requirements, such as adopting an on-time budget and conducting quarterly updates to its four-year financial plan, were implemented. This enhanced transparency will help municipal leaders and the public better understand the city's fiscal outlook.

The second component in improving transparency in the finances of state and local governments is clear, understandable debt practices. Investors deserve to have a complete picture of the finances and commitments of a state or local government when evaluating a municipal bond. Taxpayers and voters deserve to know what the debt is going to be used for, that the debt is structured responsibly, and that a new issuance of debt will not pose an unaffordable burden on the government.

In fact, the Volcker Alliance, where Dick was a director, released a study in January 2022 that pegged the total outstanding liabilities of New York state in 2020 at $186.6 billion, almost two times its general obligation and revenue-supported bond debt. Again, New York's experience is instructive. Simply stated, we have not fully lived up to these goals.

That's why we propose implementing clear, understandable debt practices for New York state: Set limits that are comprehensive and binding; ensure affordability; retain flexibility in times of emergency; and, most importantly, restore accountability to voters. The state must also work on enshrining in its Constitution a debt cap based on personal income, eliminating unaccountable "backdoor borrowing" by public authorities, and requiring other prudent debt management practices. Only then will we have the trust of investors and most importantly the citizens of our great state.

The third component in improving transparency in the finances of state and local governments is disclosure. In New York, there are more than 3,000 local governments.

The Office of the State Comptroller is charged with oversight of these local communities and has employed several strategies to improve disclosure: requiring annual reporting even for those governments not required to complete GAAP compliant audits; training and dialogue with local officials on modified accounting standards; auditing local governments and school districts to highlight areas of fiscal improvement; and review and approval of privately placed debt.

One of the office's key efforts to help local governments with their finances is a Fiscal Stress Monitoring System, which began in 2013. This system helps give municipal and state leaders early warning of fiscal stress indicators so they can take action before a crisis develops.

Improving transparency in state and local finances is a continuing priority for us. Especially now, we believe it's important to focus on this critical issue. While greater federal interest in state and local budgeting is necessary and welcome, it should also come with the support that ensures smaller states and local governments are not unduly burdened.

A federal initiative, focusing on states, and eventually, larger municipalities and authorities, that places a premium on enhancing transparency, is fundamental to improving the fiscal health of state and local governments. And it can provide us with critical knowledge on how federal, state and local dollars are being used.

Despite the 1975 federal Tower Amendment, which bars the Securities and Exchange Commission and Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board from obliging municipal securities issuers of municipal bonds to file documents with either entity prior to a sale, more disclosure is needed by states, and, eventually, larger municipalities and authorities. This would be fundamental to improving the fiscal health of state and local governments. And it could provide us with critical knowledge on how federal, state and local dollars are being used.

One thing is clear: The current environment demands greater interest and knowledge on whether state and local governments are using the federal relief aid efficiently to help improve the lives of all of our constituents. The time is now to create a more transparent, understandable process for reporting and oversight of federal, state and local finances. Just like what Dick fought for and showed us that it worked.

Riverdale Summer Social - RMSA & Frida Tacos

 

Dealer Of Fentanyl-Laced Heroin That Resulted In The Overdose Death Of Actor Michael K. Williams Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that IRVIN CARTAGENA, a/k/a “Green Eyes,” was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for conspiring to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and fentanyl analogue.  As part of the conspiracy, CARTAGENA distributed the fentanyl-laced heroin that resulted in the death of Michael K. Williams.  CARTAGENA pled guilty on April 5, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams, who imposed today’s sentence.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “On September 5, 2021, Irvin Cartagena sold Michael K. Williams a fatal dose of heroin laced with fentanyl and a fentanyl analogue.  Michael K. Williams tragically lost his life after using the drugs sold to him by Cartagena.  Although their product had already claimed one life, Cartagena and his co-conspirators continued to sell potentially lethal fentanyl-laced heroin.  This Office will tenaciously continue our enforcement efforts against unscrupulous drug dealers who distribute poison and exacerbate the scourge of the fentanyl epidemic.”

According to the allegations in the complaints, court filings, and statements made in Court:

Between at least in or about August 2020 and February 2022, a drug trafficking organization (the “DTO”) was operating in the vicinity of 224 South 3rd Street in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York.  The DTO sold heroin laced with fentanyl and a fentanyl analogue on the street in front of, and from an apartment inside of, the apartment building located at 224 South 3rd Street, among other places.  On or about September 5, 2021, in connection with the DTO’s drug sales, CARTAGENA sold Michael K. Williams heroin, which was laced with fentanyl and a fentanyl analogue.  Williams died as a result of using that fentanyl-laced heroin.  Despite knowing that Williams died after being sold the DTO’s product, CARTAGENA and his co-conspirators continued to sell fentanyl-laced heroin in broad daylight amidst residential apartment buildings in Brooklyn and Manhattan.  CARTAGENA fled to Puerto Rico after Williams’ death, where he was ultimately arrested in February 2022.            

In addition to his prison term, CARTAGENA, 40, of Aibonito, Puerto Rico, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.   

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the New York City Police Department and the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Intelligence Analysts.  Mr. Williams also thanked the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force New York Strike Force, the U.S. Marshals Service, the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration for their assistance in this case.

Attorney General James Releases Statement on Legislation to Protect New York’s Waterways

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation (S6893/A7208) sponsored by State Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Dana Levenberg that would prohibit the discharge of radioactive wastewater from the decommissioned Indian Point nuclear power plant into the Hudson River:

“As Attorney General, I am committed to defending our natural resources and protecting the health of our communities. Decommissioning a nuclear power plant is a complex process that must be done safely and carefully. This new law demonstrates that the voices and concerns of New Yorkers were heard, and my office will continue to monitor this process to ensure that it is legal and is done in a way that protects our shared environment.”