MAYOR ADAMS, CHIEF SERVICE OFFICER ROG UNVEIL PLAN TO BOOST SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES AND VOLUNTEERISM IN NEW YORK CITY

 

City Aims to Engage 55,000 New Yorkers in Service Opportunities Annually to Serve 100,000 New Yorkers in Need

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Chief Service Officer Laura Rog today unveiled the city’s plan to increase volunteer and service opportunities by 25 percent across the five boroughs — helping to build stronger communities, address the loneliness epidemic, and bolster the nonprofit sector’s volunteer force. Beginning this year, NYC Service will engage 55,000 people in service opportunities to support 100,000 New Yorkers across all five boroughs annually. The city will also offer more than 1 million volunteer opportunities at city-based non-profits and agencies, expanding how New Yorkers can give back to their communities.

 

“Real New Yorkers have each other's back, and across the city there are residents who give their time and talents to uplift those in need,” said Mayor Adams. “This plan is a roadmap to securing safe neighborhoods by engaging residents and embedding a culture of service on every block, in every building, and in the ethos of every business across the five boroughs. New York City is the greatest city in the world because everyone can serve.”

 

“AmeriCorps members and volunteers are vital to ensuring communities are supported and New Yorkers’ needs are met,” said City Hall Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack. “The NYC Service strategic plan outlines our whole-city approach to increasing access to meaningful opportunities and a commitment to tackling important issues affecting New Yorkers.”

 

“Service is a cornerstone of resilient communities and a responsibility of every New Yorker,” said Chief Service Officer Rog. “Our city is strongest when we are united in service, and NYC Service is committed to bridging the power of our city’s most precious resource — our people — to where they are needed most. We’re so proud of the volunteers and AmeriCorps members serving our city every year who continue to build on the legacy of New Yorkers showing up for each other.”

 

The plan aims to harness the power of more than 3,000 AmeriCorps members and 1.5 million volunteers who are active annually and build capacity of the public and nonprofit sectors. It builds on more than 20 current initiatives administered by NYC Service, with seven new initiatives to inform the city’s efforts and increase opportunities to serve.

 

Key NYC Service initiatives launching to increase volunteerism and service opportunities:

• Advisory Council: Led by the chief service officer, a 12-member council of representatives from the public, nonprofit, and private sectors with expertise in social responsibility and community engagement will develop a set of recommendations to make New York City the easiest place to make an impact through volunteerism and service. Inaugural members of the advisory council include:
• Anita Astupuma, directive committee, Fundavenyc
• Caitlin Belt, vice president, Office of Corporate Engagement, Goldman Sachs
• Herman Schaffer, deputy commissioner, Community Engagement Bureau, NYC Emergency Management
• Janis Robinson, institutions and partnerships vice president, Food Bank for NYC
• Jen Chantrtanapichate, deputy director, Sixth Street Community Center
• Jessica Kaplan, deputy executive director for strategic planning, Service in Schools: NYC Public Schools
• Julie Raskin, executive director, Sanitation Foundation
• Karina Smith, assistant commissioner for community outreach and partnership development, NYC Parks and Recreation
• Katy Rodriguez Botello, global senior manager, social impact, Marsh McLennan
• Kasia Laskowski, executive director, Thrive Global
• Kevin Cummings, district and government strategy vice president, City Year
• Ryan Murray, executive deputy commissioner, New York City Department for the Aging
• Sarah Hope de Mayo, senior group director for social commitment, Chanel
• Sapreet Saluja, executive director, New York Cares
• Tonya Gayle, executive director, Green City Force

• Engaging the City’s Largest Workforce: In partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations’ WorkWell program and the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services, the city will develop tailored campaigns to increase access to volunteer opportunities for social connection, positive health outcomes, and professional development.

• Volunteers for a HealthyNYC: In partnership with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), NYC Service will bolster HealthyNYC: New York City’s Campaign for Healthier, Longer Lives with a campaign to build the capacity of nonprofits and hospitals that focus on seven key determinants of health, as well as increase opportunities to volunteer in the areas of health that contribute to healthier, longer lives for New Yorkers. Recent national and New York City studies show that both adults and youth are experiencing high rates of loneliness and sadness. Furthermore, life expectancy has dropped dramatically for New Yorkers. Connection for individuals and support for organizations to engage residents in addressing issues close to home are key to healthy and safe communities. The campaign will include a digital one-stop-shop to allow New Yorkers to sign up for volunteer opportunities to improve the health of New Yorkers.

• Youth Action Campaigns: In partnership with city agencies, including DOE and DemocracyNYC, NYC Service will recruit high-school youth, ages 14 – 18, to volunteer during school recess, annually for an April Youth Action Month, and on National Voter Registration Day.

• Engaging the City’s Largest Workforce: In partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations’ WorkWell program and the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), the city will develop tailored campaigns to increase access to volunteer opportunities for social connection, positive health outcomes, and professional development for city employees and their families.

The announcement follows the 15^th anniversary of NYC Service, which was established in 2009 to connect volunteers to organizations in need of capacity. Over the last two years, the Adams administration has successfully expanded many longstanding and fundamental community service programs, including expanding the largest municipal youth leadership council network to 200 councils, serving 14,000 youth experiencing homelessness through the NYC Service-led winter donation drive, re-developing the city-run volunteer engagement website with more than 5,000 active users, tracking more than 14 million hours of volunteer service through a volunteer engagement campaign, and growing volunteer support to expand essential food access services to nearly 660,000 residents through civic impact funding.

 

“The Health Department has organized ourselves around extending lifespans and health spans, and is laying a strong foundation for a sustainable mental health system,” said DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “However, our plans are only effective if we have dedicated and passionate people working to put them into effect. Not only will this administration’s efforts to boost volunteerism support HealthyNYC, volunteering itself has been shown to improve mental and physical wellbeing, benefiting us as individuals and as a collective. Thank you to NYC Service for providing access to one of the healthiest things New Yorkers can do: give your time, in service of others.” 

 

"The Adams administration's investment in service and volunteerism is a vital step toward combatting the effects of loneliness post-COVID and ensuring all New Yorkers can access essential services. This initiative offers more than 1 million volunteer opportunities, bridging political divides, revitalizing the nonprofit sector’s volunteer force, and creating a safe, livable city for generations to come," said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “At NYC Parks, we have a long and fruitful legacy of engaging volunteers in the stewardship of our city’s greenspaces, which we have been proud to build on through our ‘Let's Green NYC’ initiative. With this new mayoral project, we enthusiastically join our sister agencies in working toward a common mission: to help New Yorkers give back to our city through volunteering!" 

 

“NYC communities are made strong by neighbors supporting neighbors who need a helping hand. NYC Service is an excellent way for community members to get connected to volunteer opportunities that will make an impact on the lives of others” said New York City Administration for Child Services Commissioner Jess Dannhauser. “I want to congratulate Mayor Adams on this new strategic plan and look forward to seeing more and more New Yorkers working to make this city a better place for children and families.” 

 

“When New Yorkers come together to serve their communities and support those in need, the entire city benefits, and there is no better way to find meaningful opportunities to volunteer than through NYC Service,” said New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Molly Wasow Park. “DSS is proud to partner with NYC Service on endeavors to serve vulnerable New Yorkers, like the NYC Service-led winter donation drive, which provides holiday gifts to thousands of vulnerable children across the city, and we greatly value Mayor Adams’ efforts to bolster volunteer opportunities and public-private partnerships that address New York City’s most pressing issues.”

 

"We are excited to partner with NYC Service,” said Mayor’s Office for Nonprofit Services Interim Executive Director Diane Mamet. “This collaboration is not just a continuation but an expansion, aiming to invigorate nonprofits throughout New York City with the power of service and volunteerism. Together, we are dedicated to offering a wealth of free resources that will enable nonprofits to harness the energy and passion of New Yorkers. Our goal is to cultivate a more dynamic, connected community where everyone thrives.”

 

“DCAS commends Mayor Adams for his strategic plan to increase service opportunities and volunteerism in New York City,” said DCAS Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock. “This comprehensive plan reflects our collective commitment to address the diverse needs of our communities, foster unity, and build a safer, more livable city for all New Yorkers. We are proud to support this effort and look forward to collaborating with NYC Service and other partners to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and create a more resilient city through volunteerism and connection." 

 

“New Yorkers dedicated to volunteering and service is what makes this city thrive,” said Herman Schaffer, deputy commissioner for community preparedness, New York City Emergency Management. “Volunteerism reflects our collective responsibility to care for our neighbors. Volunteers who respond to emergencies before, during, and after a disaster strengthens New York City’s preparedness and resiliency.  We are thrilled for the Adams Administration’s new strategic plan and continued effort to increase service opportunities and volunteerism for all New Yorkers.” 

 

"AmeriCorps is proud to support NYC Service in cultivating a culture of service across the Big Apple,” said Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps. “AmeriCorps members, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, and those who serve alongside them strengthen communities, improve lives, foster civic engagement, and cultivate a sense of belonging. This strategic plan will help all New Yorkers see how they can get involved in owning the challenges and opportunities in their neighborhoods." 

 

“Mayor Adams’ announcement today marks a pivotal moment in New York City’s commitment to fostering a culture of service and volunteerism that leaves no one behind. This announcement represents both an effective strategy and a clarion call to action, ensuring that every New Yorker, regardless of background or circumstance has the opportunity to contribute their talents and skills to address complex challenges facing our city,” said Dr. Lisette Nieves, president, Fund for the City of New York. “This multifaceted approach, spearheaded by NYC Service, underscores our city’s unwavering commitment to robust inclusivity, proximate problem solving, and civic engagement. Initiatives such as the NYCHA Health Corps and Women Forward NYC exemplify a forward-thinking approach to tackling complex issues, leveraging strengths and talents from every community, while addressing systemic inequalities. 

 

“We are proud to partner with NYC Service to increase opportunities that build a community who looks out for one another,” said Sapreet K. Saluja, executive director, New York Cares. “As the largest volunteer organization in the city, we bring New Yorkers together in service to make New York the city we know we can be."  

 

“Food Bank For New York City is honored to be invited to be on the NYC Service Advisory Council, as we all work to support the New York community,” said Janis Robinson, vice president for institutions and partnerships, Food Bank for New York City. 

 

“As someone who has seen the immense power people bring when they become civically engaged, I am proud that today we are opening volunteer opportunities to 55,000 New Yorkers," said New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar. "I became an assemblywoman by increasing voter turnout to three times higher than it had ever been and turning my campaign into a community service operation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today’s initiative will activate tens of thousands more New Yorkers to volunteer, helping 100,000 children, seniors, and other neighbors in need. New Yorkers will come together to invest in our collective destiny as one city and bring unprecedented energy to our communities.”

 

Statement from NYS DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar on EPA's Fossil Fuel-Fired Power Plant Standards

 

New York State applauds President Joe Biden and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan for this significant regulatory action to protect public health and the environment from the harmful emissions and other byproducts of fossil-fueled power plants. New York’s stringent measures to eliminate coal-fired power plants and reduce pollution from all fossil-fueled power plants are already driving down emissions. New Yorkers will further benefit from the measures finalized by EPA today to improve air and water quality nationwide.

Instagram Influencer Known as “Jay Mazini” Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Overlapping Fraud Schemes

 

Defendant Capitalized on His Social Media Persona to Commit Fraud, Including a Scheme That Bilked the Muslim Community Out of Over $8 Million

In federal court in Brooklyn, Jebara Igbara, also known as “Jay Mazini,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Frederic Block to 84 months in prison for wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering arising out of multiple schemes that resulted in millions of dollars in loss to trusting investors.  Igbara pleaded guilty to the charges in November 2022.  As set forth in the information, up until March 2021, Igbara maintained a popular Instagram account under the name “Jay Mazini,” where he would post videos depicting, among other things, occasions during which he would hand out large amounts of cash to various individuals as gifts.  In reality, Igbara was perpetrating overlapping fraud schemes, scamming investors out of at least $8 million.  As part of his sentence, Igbara was ordered to pay $10 million in forfeiture. The amount of restitution will be determined at a later date.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Thomas M. Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI), announced the sentence. 

“The prosecution of Igbara unmasked him as a fraudster who used his social media popularity to con investors out of millions of dollars,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “Shamefully, he targeted his own religious community, taking advantage of their trust in him so he could spend and gamble their hard-earned money. Hopefully today’s sentence will influence fraudsters, like this defendant, to think twice about the consequences before they victimize investors for their own benefit.”

“Igbara was a crypto con man.  He not only created a fake online presence to purport that he was a wealthy crypto investor, he used his Instagram persona as proof of success when convincing his unsuspecting victims to invest in his schemes.   He conned a New York Muslim community out of millions then simply spent it and gambled it away.  Igbara had no regard for the victims he affected with his scam, but today’s sentence means that this crypto swindler, along with his social media persona, will now spend years in prison for his criminal acts,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent-in-Charge Fattorusso.

Igbara maintained a popular social media presence on Instagram, calling himself “Jay Manzini,” with nearly one million followers during the offense period of 2019 to 2021.  The defendant portrayed himself as a successful investor and businessman, and also posted material relating to his Muslim faith, portraying himself as religious. Igbara touted his purported wealth by posting videos on his Instagram account showing him handing out large sums of cash to shoppers waiting on the checkout line in grocery stores, individuals working in fast food restaurants and a woman he met at the airport who had lost her purse. 

Igbara perpetrated an investment fraud scheme via a company called Halal Capital LLC.  The scheme targeted members of the Muslim-American community in New York by soliciting their money for purported investments in stock, electronics resale and the sale of personal protective equipment.  In reality, Igbara was operating a Ponzi scheme, and misappropriated nearly all of the money for his personal expenses, luxury vehicles and gambling.  To raise money in order to pay his investors “returns,” and keep them on the hook, Igbara also perpetrated a second fraudulent scheme, wherein he posted on his Instagram and other social media accounts that he was willing to pay above-market prices for various cryptocurrencies.  He would then send his victims doctored images of wire transfer confirmations that purported to show he had sent money for the cryptocurrency as promised, when in reality, the payment was never sent, and Igbara was merely stealing the cryptocurrency sent by his victim.    

Joint Statement from Speaker Adrienne Adams and Finance Chair Justin Brannan on the Mayor’s Fiscal Year 2025 Executive Budget

 

“The City has a responsibility to invest in the essential services that New Yorkers rely on and can help working- and middle-class families remain in our city. The Mayor’s Executive Budget begins to reverse a fraction of previous cuts that have proven harmful to our city’s stability and were unnecessary in the context of our resilient economy, but significant work remains ahead to ensure a city budget that advances the health, safety, and strength of our communities.

“As responsible stewards of our city’s fiscal health, the Council presented a Preliminary Budget Response that identified $6.15 billion in newly available resources for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. Some of these funds can be used to produce a sound city budget by restoring and ensuring investments in education, cultural institutions, proven mental health and safety solutions, libraries, and many other vital services, yet the Executive Budget only realizes a portion of these resources leaving too many cuts in place. We are disappointed that critical support for key mental health services, programs to reduce recidivism, and libraries that our city desperately needs are not included in the Executive Budget. The Council’s budget response proposed $1.63 billion for the restoration of essential services and set aside nearly $3 billion to protect against fiscal risks and under-budgeted costs, while dedicating $500 million to the Rainy Day Fund and leaving an over $1 billion surplus as a safeguard. The Council’s balanced approach is one that can protect vital services and chart a path towards greater stability for our city and its neighborhoods, outlining the roadmap necessary between the Executive Budget and the Adopted Budget.

“The Council will closely review the Mayor’s Fiscal Year 2025 Executive Budget through our public hearings and other efforts to examine its impact on City agencies and New Yorkers. We look forward to working together as a Council, alongside the Administration and all stakeholders in our city, to deliver a final budget that fulfills our obligations to all New Yorkers and supports their success.”

Permits Filed For 1356 Fulton Avenue In Morrisania, The Bronx

  

 

Permits have been filed for a nine-story residential building to be used for affordable senior housing at 1356 Fulton Avenue in Morrisania, The Bronx. Located between East 169th Street and East 170th Street, the lot is near the Freeman Street subway station, serviced by the 2 and 5 trains. Cornelia Narovici is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 95-foot-tall development will yield 101,539 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 152 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 668 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar, a 30-foot-long rear yard, 15 open parking spaces, and eight enclosed parking spaces.

Saky Yakas is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Governor Hochul Celebrates Long Island Rail Road’s 190th Anniversary

 

Under Governor Hochul’s Leadership LIRR Experienced Nation’s Largest Service Increase

Railroad Grows the Region, Enhances Safety, Service and Infrastructure

Governor Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) celebrated the 190th anniversary of the founding of MTA Long Island Rail Road on April 24, 1834. The LIRR is the busiest commuter railroad in North America, carrying more than 200,000 customers each weekday and last year in conjunction with the opening of Grand Central Madison and Main Line Third Track, it operated more than 77,000 more trains than it did the prior year, a service increase of 41 percent.

“The founding of the Long Island Rail Road on April 24, 1834 marked a new beginning of travel and regional connectivity.” Governor Hochul said. “It has delivered significant benefits to the tens of thousands of New Yorkers who rely on it every day and shows the importance of continuing to expand transit throughout our state.”

Out of the past 190 years, the last five have been some of the most monumental in the railroad’s history. Since 2018 the Long Island Rail Road has activated Positive Train Control, a system that provides an extra layer of safety to train operations, added a 13-mile long second track to the Ronkonkoma Branch, a 10-mile long Main Line Third Track between from Floral Park and Hicksville, built the first new full-service in 50 years at Elmont-UBS Arena and opened a new terminal at Grand Central Madison that brought LIRR service directly to Manhattan’s east side for the first time. Some features of these projects were new signal systems, electrical substation modifications and modern amenities. The Main Line Third Track was not only a major advance in service but a huge leap in safety with the elimination of eight street-level grade crossings and, modifications to seven rail bridges.

Penn Station, the LIRR’s terminal on the West Side received a massive upgrade starting in 2020 with the opening of an iconic new entrance to the LIRR Concourse at Seventh Avenue and 33rd Street. Construction crews then moved on to the rest of the concourse between 7th and 8th avenues, first removing the low hanging “headknocker” beams that had kept ceilings low since the reconstructed terminal opened more than 50 years ago. Removal of these headknockers allowed the LIRR to raise the ceilings to 18 feet high and the full project nearly doubled the width of the corridor, provided key accessibility upgrades, improved lighting and air flow, added intuitive wayfinding, enhanced retail and dining options and added an LED powered luminous ceiling.

The combination the Main Line Third Track and the opening of Grand Central Madison allowed the Long Island Rail Road to completely overhaul its schedules, adding 41 percent more service with more trains running during peak hours and better reverse commuting options to Long Island. Long Islanders now have the ability to travel from Montauk to Mount Kisco, Patchogue to Peekskill and Stony Brook to Stratford with only one ticket.

LIRR on-time performance was 94 percent in 2023, 95 percent in January, and 96 percent in February, even with ridership up 22 percent compared to February 2023. This number has continued to improve throughout 2024.

Moving Forward

Within the current Capital Program, MTA Construction & Development is moving forward with ADA upgrades at nine Long Island Rail Road stations. New elevators and upgrades are planned for Amityville, Copiague, Laurelton, Lindenhurst, Locust Manor, Massapequa Park and St. Albans. Earlier this month, the MTA announced it will move forward with upgrades to make Hollis Station accessible as well as improve accessibility at Babylon and Forest Hills. All LIRR stations are advancing in either construction or design for ADA accessibility.

The existing accessibility components at Auburndale and Valley Stream stations will also be upgraded, including new elevators between street and platform level, modification of canopies, new sidewalks and curb ramps that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

As workers continue to return to the office following the COVID pandemic the LIRR is focused on providing reliable service, improved safety onboard trains and in its facilities and reducing crowding on trains as ridership continues to grow. The LIRR is improving the customer experience so more people will take the Long Island Railroad. The LIRR is the cheapest, most convenient and comfortable way to get into and out of the city.

President Joseph R. Biden is Granting Clemency to 16 Individuals, Consisting of 11 Pardons and Five Commutations.

 

President Biden is pardoning the following 11 individuals:

Jason Hernandez – McKinney, Texas

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (two counts); possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine/cocaine hydrochloride; distribution of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school (three counts); establishing a place for the manufacture and distribution of a controlled substance (two counts); Eastern District of Texas

Sentence: 240 months in prison (as commuted on Dec. 19, 2013); eight years of supervised release; $3,500 fine (as amended by order of Feb. 29, 2016); Oct. 2, 1998

Beverly Denise Holcy, also known as Beverly Canty – Palatka, Florida

Offense: Knowingly, willfully, and intentionally distributing a quantity of cocaine base, commonly known as “crack”; Middle District of Florida

Sentence: 60 months in prison; four years of supervised release; $1,000 fine; June 22, 1994

Jeffrey Alan Lewis – Douglasville, Georgia

Offense: Use of a communication facility to facilitate a felony; Eastern District of Virginia

Sentence: Six months in prison; one year of supervise release; Feb. 17, 2006

Bobby Darrell Lowery – Jackson, Mississippi

Offense: Possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute; felon in possession of a firearm; Northern District of Mississippi

Sentence: 60 months in prison (as amended on Oct. 4, 2000, Sept. 21, 2001, Oct. 3, 2001, and Oct. 11, 2002); five years of supervised release; May 28, 1999

Jesse Mosley, also known as Jessie Mosley – Ponchatoula, Louisiana

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute cocaine; use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug offense; Eastern District of Louisiana

Sentence: 28 months in prison; five years of supervised release; June 20, 2001

Katrina Polk – Washington, D.C.

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine; Southern District of West Virginia

Sentence: One day in prison; four years of supervised release; July 5, 1988

Glenn Ray Royal Jr. – San Antonio, Texas

Offense: Conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; Western District of Texas

Sentence: 30 months in prison; four years of supervised release; $500 fine; May 23, 1996

Alexis Sutton – New Haven, Connecticut

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin; District of Connecticut

Sentence: 48 months of probation; Feb. 25, 2014

Ricky Donnell Tyler, also known as Rick Tyler – Columbia, South Carolina

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine and cocaine base; possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine base (three counts); District of South Carolina

Sentence: Time served (as amended on Aug. 17, 1999, and June 15, 2007); five years of supervised release; Sept. 12, 1996

Stacy L. Wilder – Albany, New York

Offense: Conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine base; Northern District of New York

Sentence: 70 months in prison; five years of supervised release; Jan. 7, 2003

Pilar Alejandra Yelicie-Rodriguez – Fairfax, Virginia

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of cocaine base; Eastern District of Virginia

Sentence: 42 months in prison (as amended on May 11, 2007); three years of supervised release; Sept. 23, 2004

President Biden is commuting the sentences of the following five individuals:

Daequon Charles Davis – Johnson City, Tennessee

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute or to possess with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine (Eastern District of Tennessee).

Sentence: 262 months in prison; 10 years of supervised release (July 13, 2017).

Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to a term of 120 months, leaving intact and in effect the 10 years of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence.

Jophaney Hyppolite – Miami

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 280 grams cocaine base; distribution and aiding and abetting the distribution of cocaine base (Middle District of Florida).

Sentence: Life in prison; 10 years of supervised release (Jan. 22, 2013).

Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to a term of 360 months in prison, leaving intact and in effect the 10 years of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence.

Xavier Martez Parnell – Clarksville, Tennessee

Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including 500 grams or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base (Middle District of Tennessee).

Sentence: 300 months in prison; 10 years of supervised release (Sept. 18, 2012).

Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to a term of 210 months, leaving intact and in effect the 10 years of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence.

Leshay Nicole Rhoton – Bristol, Tennessee

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base and 5 kilograms or more of cocaine (Western District of Virginia).

Sentence: 240 months in prison; 10 years of supervised release (Sept. 5, 2013).

Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to a term of 150 months in prison, leaving intact and in effect the 10 years of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence.

Margaret Ann Vandyke – Ellenville, New York

Offense: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance (crack cocaine) (Northern District of New York).

Sentence: 60 months in prison; three years of supervised release (Jan. 19, 2022).

Commutation Grant: Sentence commuted to expire on Aug. 22, leaving intact and in effect the three years of supervised release with all its conditions and all other components of the sentence.

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON THE FY25 EXECUTIVE BUDGET

"I’m glad that many of the administration’s previous, misguided cuts have been removed in this budget, though this seems to be less a result of good management now than of bad budgeting in the past. And still, many cuts remain, seemingly without fiscal justification, given the still-too-low projections from an administration which has already been mistaken.

“The administration’s conservative approach to budgeting seems more ideological than financial. Putting the first available money into additional NYPD officers shows a misunderstanding of true public safety – without commensurate, adequate increase for non-police response such as mental health– and a prioritization of headcount over accountability.  The reported removal of CCRB Chair Arva Rice, if true, is further proof of this troubling trend: The administration would rather reduce accountability and remove dissent than focus on properly funding oversight agencies like the CCRB or the Board of Correction. I urge the City Council to fight for funding where it will best serve our communities. Increasing enforcement at the expense of accountability will have a real and lasting cost to the safety of New Yorkers.”