Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Tour de Bronx 2023!

 

Dear Neighbor,

The largest free cycling event in New York State is just 9 days away! Join us on Tuesday, October 17th at 10AM at Lou Gehrig Plaza for our Tour de Bronx kick-off press conference!

Tour De Bronx is an annual event that offers cyclists a 25-mile course through historic districts, waterfronts, and lush greenways. This annual event attracts both skilled and beginner cyclists and encourages alternative modes of transportation. This year, we are introducing a new 10-mile route and reintroducing our legendary 40-mile route! We can't wait to see you all there. Registration is now open!

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

 

In partnership,

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

Two Former Tennessee Department of Corrections Officers Plead Guilty for Their Roles in the Assault of an Inmate

Two former tactical officers for the Tennessee Department of Corrections Strike Force pleaded guilty for their roles in the assault of an inmate and the cover up that followed at Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee.

Javian Griffin, 38, of Nashville pleaded guilty to using unlawful force on an inmate and to providing false information in his official report for the incident. His co-defendant, Sebron Hollands, 33, of Clarksville pleaded guilty last week to providing false information in his official report regarding the same incident.

“These two defendants used their power as correctional officers to engage in criminal conduct that victimized a person in state custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to hold accountable correctional officers who assault inmates and then try to cover up their criminal conduct.”

“We look to corrections officers to keep prisons safe and secure and to carry out their duties with the utmost integrity,” said U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Ritz for the Western District of Tennessee. “Instead of upholding and enforcing the oath he took, this officer used his position of authority to violate an inmate’s rights and then conceal the harm he caused. No correctional officer is above the law. This office’s National Security and Civil Rights Unit will continue to prioritize the prosecution of public employees who violate the civil rights of others.”

“Correctional officers who abuse their authority and harm or cover up harm to inmates whose safety they are charged with undermine the criminal justice system as a whole,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas S. DePodesta of the FBI Memphis Field Office. “The FBI is committed to protecting the civil rights of all people and will aggressively investigate and bring to justice any officer who violates the civil rights of those they are sworn to protect.”

According to court documents, Griffin admitted that he punched an inmate, identified as K.W., in the head without justification, breaking his jaw. Griffin admitted that at the time he punched K.W., the inmate did not resist or pose a threat justifying his use of force. Griffin and Hollands each admitted that they provided false information in their official reports to obstruct the investigation of the incident.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, the parties agreed to jointly recommend that Griffin serve a 48-month prison sentence. Hollands faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for his false report. Sentencing is scheduled for Griffin on March 5, 2024. Sentencing is scheduled for Hollands on Jan. 19, 2024. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Memphis Field Office investigated this case. 

Attorney General James Calls on Social Media Platforms to Provide Answers after Terrorist Attacks in Israel Spark Violent Threats Online

 

 New York Attorney General Letitia James sent a series of letters to social media companies requesting they provide detailed explanations of the steps they are taking to stop the spread of hateful content encouraging violence against Jewish and Muslim people and institutions in the wake of terrorist attacks in Israel. The letters, sent to Google, Meta, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Reddit, and Rumble, provide a list of questions for each platform to respond to regarding how they are specifically addressing calls for violence that have rapidly spread in the past week. 

“In the wake of Hamas’ unspeakable atrocities, social media has been widely used by bad actors to spread horrific material, disseminate threats, and encourage violence,” said Attorney General James. “These platforms have a responsibility to keep their users safe and prohibit the spread of violent rhetoric that puts vulnerable groups in danger. I am calling on these companies to explain how they are addressing threats and how they will ensure that no online platform is used to further terrorist activities.”

After recent terrorist attacks in Israel, reports have identified antisemitic and Islamophobic threats spreading online, including an Anti-Defamation League report documenting a surge in antisemitic threats and conspiracies spreading on social media following the Hamas attacks. The letters from Attorney General James request that social media companies explain in detail how their content moderation policies and terms of service are being used to limit hate-based threats and reduce the likelihood that the platforms are used to plan acts of violence. The letters also ask the companies to explain:

• What actions, if any, they have taken to address the recent calls for violence against Jewish and Muslim people and institutions;
• What actions they have taken to address the possibility that their platforms may be used to plan, encourage, or disseminate acts of violence;
• The public-facing terms of service, community rules, or other policies in place that prohibit users from utilizing the platform to disseminate calls for violence;
• Details of internal policies that govern the determination of whether content is a call for violence that should be removed;
• Policies regarding disciplining, suspending, and/or banning users for posting content that has been removed for spreading calls for violence.

Attorney General James has consistently taken action to hold social media companies accountable and limit dangerous material from spreading online. This week, Attorney General James advanced legislation to protect children from addictive social media features that could introduce them to harmful content. In July, Attorney General James led a multistate coalition defending the federal government’s ability to communicate with social media companies about the spread of dangerous content on their platforms. In October of 2022, Attorney General James released a report on the role that social media platforms played in the Buffalo mass shooting and online extremism. In 2021, Attorney General James joined a multistate coalition investigating Meta for providing and promoting the social media platform Instagram to children and young adults despite knowing that such use is associated with physical and mental health harms.

Governor Hochul Directs Public Colleges and Universities in New York to Offer Additional Security Resources for Students Attending Shabbat Services

Campuses Will Offer Increased Law Enforcement Presence, Resources for Jewish Student Groups Gathering for Shabbat Prayers

Governor Has Directed Law Enforcement Statewide to Increase Presence in Response to Public Reports of a “Day of Jihad;” No Credible Threat Detected at This Time

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that public colleges and universities in New York will offer increased law enforcement presence and additional resources for students attending campus Shabbat services. This builds on Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to ensuring all New Yorkers are safe in the wake of the horrific Hamas attack on Israel last week.

“My top priority is public safety, and I'm committed to ensuring every student in New York feels secure on campus,” Governor Hochul said. “While there is no credible threat to New York at this time, we are increasing law enforcement presence to ensure Jewish New Yorkers can safely gather and observe Shabbat services.”

On SUNY campuses, Chancellor John B. King Jr. has directed the university police commissioner to work with all state-operated campuses this weekend to ensure there is increased security for on-campus Shabbat services. University police will also work with communities to ensure students who attend services off-campus will also have the security resources they need. The full message from Chancellor King to University presidents is available here.

For on-campus Shabbat services on CUNY campuses, law enforcement protection from local NYPD precincts has been secured, in addition to increasing CUNY Public Safety presence, to ensure these gatherings are safe and students feel protected.

Efforts to protect students on college campuses build on Governor Hochul’s efforts in enhancing public safety across New York in the wake of Hamas' attack on Israel. Earlier today, Governor Hochul briefed the New York State Legislature, New York Conference of Mayors and New York State Association of Counties on ongoing security measures, and yesterday held a press conference with New York City Mayor Eric Adams to detail security measures in place. The Governor has attended a briefing at the New York State Intelligence Center with the New York State Police and has been in contact with the U.S. Department of State to ensure New Yorkers currently in Israel can return home safely.

 

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli: NY State Pension Fund Purchases $20 Million in State of Israel Bonds

 

The New York State Common Retirement Fund has purchased an additional $20 million in Israel bonds offered by Development Corporation for Israel, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced today. The purchase brings the state pension fund’s holdings in Israel bonds to $267.8 million.

“New York state’s pension fund buys Israel bonds because we have confidence in the spirit of innovation and tenacity of Israeli people and in the strength of our investments there,” DiNapoli said. “In addition to providing a steady return for our pension fund’s members, Israel bonds help support one of our nation’s strongest allies. I am heartened that so many other public funds have stepped forward to purchase bonds and support Israel, the only democratic government in the region, during these tragic and challenging days.”

New York joined Pennsylvania, Florida, Illinois, Texas, Ohio and other public U.S. funds in purchasing $150 million in Israel bonds in recent days.

“The extent to which New York has supported Israel is incredible, aligning with the immediate response across many U.S. states during this crucial period for the Jewish state,” said Israel Bonds President and CEO Dani Naveh. “At a time when Israel is under attack, these investments represent the most powerful and direct way to stand with the State of Israel and its people.”

Israel Bonds have provided New York state’s pension fund with an attractive yield over the years. The bonds purchased by the fund have a 10-year maturity with a coupon of 5.96%, which equals a spread of +138 basis points versus the 10-Year Treasury at the time of purchase.

The state pend fund has purchased Israel Bonds since the 1990s. As of October 2023, the state pension fund’s Israeli bond holdings total value is approximately $267.8 million. Israel Bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the state of Israel.

“The message from the people of New York to the people of Israel is that you are remarkable-resilient and so strong. Continue to stand strong and you will never stand alone and we will always be  standing with you.” said Howard L. Goldstein, US and International chairman of the board of directors for State of Israel Bonds. “The Empire State has continually demonstrated that it strongly stands with the Jewish State today and forever. Israel bonds has proven time and time again that it is a crucial component of Israel’s financial wellbeing.”

The state’s pension fund has total investments in Israel of approximately $1.5 billion across asset classes.

For 72 years, Israel Bonds has generated $49 billion worldwide, across all Bonds affiliates, in financial support for the building and development of every sector of Israel’s economy. Israel bonds are a smart investment, with strong rates, and are meaningful investments, serving as a symbolic connection with Israel and the people of Israel for Jews worldwide. For more information, visit www.israelbonds.com

MAYOR ADAMS LEADS NATIONAL COALITION OF CITIES IN URGING SUPREME COURT TO SAFEGUARD ACCESS TO MEDICATION ABORTION

 

Builds on Adams Administration’s Support for Woman’s Right to Choose and Access Reproductive Health Care, Including Expansion of Telehealth Abortion Access Earlier This Month

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Corporation Counsel Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix were today joined by six other municipalities across the country in filing an amicus brief  that urges the U.S. Supreme Court to protect access to mifepristone — a medication that millions of women have used for medication abortions and miscarriage management. The brief supports the Biden-Harris administration in asking the court to review an opinion by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in the case Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which restricted access to mifepristone. The amicus brief underscores how the Fifth Circuit’s decision could have a direct impact on New York City’s health care system and ability to provide essential reproductive health services, including medication abortions.

 

Earlier this month, Mayor Adams launched telehealth medication abortion access through Virtual ExpressCare — making New York City’s public health system the first in the nation to do so. Patients in New York City seeking abortion care can now schedule a Virtual ExpressCare appointment to speak with a New York state-licensed health care professional by video or phone, on-demand, for an assessment and counseling. If clinically appropriate and prescribed, patients will be able to receive a medication abortion kit at their New York City address within a few days.

 

“Over and over again, the courts have issued opinions endangering the ability for New Yorkers and all Americans to access reproductive health care,” said Mayor Adams. “This attempt to further restrict access to abortion care has nothing to do with safety and everything to do with controlling women’s lives, their choices, and their freedoms. New York City is proud to lead this coalition in defense of a woman’s right to choose.”

 

“We stand resolute in our advocacy for the preservation of women’s access to essential reproductive health care services,” said Corporation Counsel Hinds-Radix. “As we acknowledge the significance of this case, and we support the federal government’s application for review by the U.S. Supreme Court, New York City reaffirms its steadfast commitment to upholding women’s reproductive rights in all aspects.”

 

“New York City will always stand up for and protect access to reproductive health care, including medication abortion,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “We know that this method is safe, effective, and it should remain part of the suite of reproductive care to be discussed with one’s provider. Ultimately, health care is a human right and that includes reproductive health care.”

 

“As the largest municipal hospital system in the country we are here for New Yorkers when they need us, and that includes access to safe and legal abortion,” said Mitchell Katz, MD, president and CEO, NYC Health + Hospitals. “With our recent expansion of Virtual ExpressCare to include abortion care, we can offer immediate assessments and counseling to those who may need our services in a space they are most safe and comfortable. New Yorkers deserve comprehensive reproductive health care, and any attempt to restrict access to health care harms everyone.”

 

“Abortion care is health care and fundamental to public health,” said New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “Restrictions on abortion medications have nothing to do with science and medicine and are completely driven by politics. These medications have long been proven to be safe and effective. As a leader in providing abortion access, New York City will continue to fight for the right to comprehensive reproductive health care for those in our city and beyond.”

 

The coalition’s amicus brief strongly supports the federal government’s position by emphasizing the severe potential harm to public health and health care systems that would come from suspending the FDA’s longstanding regulation of mifepristone. The brief highlights the dire consequences, increased costs, and potential disruptions to the health care delivery systems that may result.

 

Additionally, if restrictions on medication abortion are upheld, demands on public hospitals will increase. Public hospitals, in turn, would then have to divert resources to meet the increased demand for emergency care and for procedural abortions from their existing patients and from new patients who otherwise would have sought care from providers who cannot pivot to providing procedural abortions.

 

Since last year’s Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization — in which the nation's highest court ruled to effectively overturn Roe v. Wade after almost 50 years of precedent — the Adams administration has taken multiple actions to protect women’s access to reproductive health care, including launching the Abortion Access Hub to confidentially refer callers to abortion care, rolling out no-cost medication abortion at the city's sexual health clinics, and signing legislation strengthening abortion protections for New Yorkers.

 

New York City, NYC Health + Hospitals, and Santa Clara County, California co-drafted the amicus brief. They are joined by Los Angeles County, San Francisco County, and the City of San Francisco, California; Cook County, Illinois; and King County, Washington.

 

CEO Pleads Guilty to Transnational Scheme Involving Foreign Exchange and Cryptocurrency Futures Contracts

 

First Criminal Charge Against a Commodities Trading Advisor and Commodities Pool Operator for Engaging in a “Cherry-Picking” Scheme Involving Cryptocurrency Futures Contracts

A former chief executive officer of an investment firm pleaded guilty to a “cherry-picking” scheme, in which he fraudulently misappropriated profitable trades to himself, and saddled his investors with losses.

According to court documents, Peter Kambolin, 48, a U.S.-Russian national of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, was the owner and chief executive officer of Systematic Alpha Management LLC (SAM), an investment firm that Kambolin marketed as offering algorithmic trading strategies involving futures contracts. Between January 2019 and November 2021, Kambolin, who at the time was a commodity trading advisor and a commodity pool operator, engaged in a cherry-picking scheme in which he fraudulently allocated profits and losses from futures trades in a manner designed to benefit his own accounts unfairly at the expense of his clients. Kambolin also misrepresented to his clients that SAM employed trading strategies focused on cryptocurrency futures contracts and foreign exchange futures contracts, when in reality, approximately half of Kambolin’s trading in each pool involved equity index futures contracts. In doing so, Kambolin defrauded investors located in the United States and abroad by, among other things, depriving them of profitable trades. Kambolin used the proceeds of the scheme to fund personal expenses, including rent for a beachfront apartment, and transferred proceeds to foreign bank accounts his co-coconspirator controlled in Belarus and Dominica.

“The defendant breached client trust for personal profit,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This conduct undermines investor confidence in the commodities markets. This plea demonstrates that the Justice Department will not allow financial advisors to place their self-interest ahead of clients, including by cherry-picking trades. It also underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to using data analytics to prosecute wrongdoing in the financial markets.”

During the relevant period, Kambolin executed trades for pool participants together with trades he executed on behalf of his proprietary accounts, and fraudulently allocated the profits and losses of the trades to benefit his own accounts.

“Yesterday’s plea recognizes the importance of holding the defendant accountable for his actions in misleading and defrauding investors through a cherry-picking scheme, and using proceeds from the scheme to fund his own personal lifestyle,” said Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Shimon R. Richmond of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG). “The FDIC-OIG remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect investors and the nation’s banking system from individuals who commit such egregious financial crimes.”

Kambolin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit commodities fraud. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FDIC-OIG is investigating the case. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission previously charged Kambolin and SAM by complaint.

Trinitarios Gang Member Convicted Of Murdering A Confidential Informant

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that WILLIAM JONES, a/k/a “Principe,” was convicted by a jury of racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and firearms offenses for his role in the murder of Frederick Delacruz on December 28, 2019.  The defendant was found guilty on all counts following an eight-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos.

 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “William Jones executed Frederick Delacruz in cold blood because Delacruz had the courage to do the honorable thing and cooperate with law enforcement.  We hope today’s verdict will bring some peace to the victim’s family and sends the message that we will not rest until justice is done.” 

According to the allegations contained in the Indictment and the evidence presented at trial:

WILLIAM JONES was a high-ranking member of the Trinitarios, a racketeering enterprise that has engaged in a pattern of murder, attempted murder, drug trafficking, fraud, and witness tampering and retaliation.  On December 28, 2019, JONES and other Trinitarios members lured Frederick Delacruz from the Bronx, New York, to Suffolk County, New York, where JONES shot and killed Delacruz because Delacruz was acting as a confidential informant for law enforcement.

JONES, 45, of the Bronx, New York, was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison; murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison; a firearms offense, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison; and murder through the use of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.

The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for information purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York City Police Department, and the Suffolk County Police Department.  He also thanked the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance.