Two Brothers Arrested With Arsenal Of Homemade Explosives, Ghost Guns & Hit List Of Cops, Judges, Politicians And Celebrities At Apartment Across From Roosevelt Island Bridge In Astoria Yesterday Announced Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz

A Tipster reported:

Are you going to do any reporting on the early morning police raid on the suspected terrorists arrested from apartment building across from the RI bridge on Vernon Blvd? Apparently police found multiple weapons, bomb making equipment, and partially completed bomb. 

 

 A Roosevelt Island resident asked this morning:

Any info on the weapon raid in the apt house on the corner of the Queens side of the R.I.bridge?

NBC New York reports:

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and NYPD announced on (X)Twitter:

An arsenal of homemade bombs and ghost guns was found in an Astoria apartment.

We cannot measure the number of lives that were saved, but we do know that these weapons will never hurt anyone.

Two brothers each face 25 years in prison. https://t.co/ClBp0gKmed pic.twitter.com/VAOGAt8xSN

— Queens DA Katz (@QueensDAKatz) January 29, 2024

Our Major Case Team has recovered over 600 ghost guns since 2021. In a recent investigation, announced today with @QueensDAKatz, investigators found an arsenal of explosive devices and ghost guns before they could be used to cause harm. https://t.co/tvEVM2h6tB pic.twitter.com/EJHInHFZ6b

— NYPDCounterterrorism (@NYPDCT) January 29, 2024

According to a January 29 press release from the Queens District Attorney's office:

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Andrew and Angelo Hatziagelis were indicted on 130 counts of criminal possession of a weapon and related charges after an arsenal of improvised explosive devices and ghost guns, including assault rifles, was found inside an Astoria apartment they shared with their mother and another brother. Instructions for making a variety of bombs, anarchist propaganda and a “hit list,” with “cops, judges, politicians, celebrities” and “banker scum” scrawled on it, were also found during a search of the home....

 ... On January 17, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant on the brothers’ residence resulting in their arrests and the seizure of:

Eight operational improvised explosive devices (IEDs)

One partially constructed trip-wire IED

Two loaded AR-15 style ghost gun assault weapons, each with a detachable magazine, muzzle compensator and threaded barrel

Two loaded 9 mm semiautomatic ghost gun pistols

Two loaded 9 mm semiautomatic 3D printed ghost gun pistols

One partially constructed AK-47 style ghost gun

Over 600 rounds of ammunition for each of the firearms above

One 3D printer

Three sets of body armor

Six additional AR/pistol lower receivers

29 high-capacity ammunition feeding devices, 13 of which were personally manufactured utilizing a 3D printer

Tools to assemble ghost guns

Metal knuckles

A radio set to the frequency of the 114th Precinct in Astoria

Several electronic devices (phones, computer)

Numerous notebooks containing instructions on the manufacture of explosive devices and anarchist related propaganda

Explosive residue, and components to manufacture additional IEDs

Nine pyrotechnic smoke bombs

Upon execution of the search warrant at the apartment complex, which is located directly across from a Con Edison power plant, members of the NYPD Bomb Squad were called to respond and subsequently evacuated the building due to the discovery of the live IEDs.... 

Click here for the full press release from the Queens District Attorney.

Mayor Eric Adams Reports On "Cannabis Justice For All" In Op Ed Submitted To NYC Community Media - "It Is Time For The Operation Of Illegal Cannabis Dispensaries To End" Says Mayor Adams

New York City Mayor Eric Adams submitted the op-ed article below to local NYC community media including Roosevelt Islander Online.

According to Mayor Eric Adams:

Community Op Ed: Cannabis Justice for All

Legalizing cannabis was a major step forward for equity and justice in our city. But legalization is about following the new laws, not a free pass to sell unregulated cannabis products.

Over the last few months, illegal cannabis retailers have taken advantage of decriminalization efforts, with unlicensed smoke shops popping up all over the city. This “Wild West” attempt to gain market share will not be tolerated. New York City has changed the laws, but we intend to enforce them — fairly, equitably, and thoroughly.

For many years, people of color in our communities were routinely targeted when it came to cannabis law enforcement. Cannabis criminalization was used to harass, arrest, and prosecute our brothers and sisters.

Advocates rightly pushed for an end to these practices, and fought hard to put racial equity at the center of New York's cannabis legalization efforts. Past convictions were automatically expunged or suppressed. People with past convictions for marijuana and their family members are being given priority for these licenses. 50 percent of licenses have been set aside for social and economic equity applicants.

An open and democratic process resulted in the progress so many wanted to see — an end to the “war on drugs” mentality, the establishment of a safe and sanctioned cannabis industry for adults, and a pathway to restorative justice for those who were unfairly prosecuted in the past.

Legal cannabis is expected to be a $1.3 billion industry that will create thousands of jobs and generate approximately $40 million per year in tax revenue for our city. And 40 percent of the tax revenues from legal cannabis will be invested back in the communities that were most harmed by prohibition.

We have a moral obligation to make sure that the people who were adversely affected by marijuan criminalization get their fair share of this emerging market. That’s part of the mission of the new CannabisNYC Office. This is a city agency that will make New Yorkers aware of opportunities to participate in this industry, promote equity, and help applicants navigate the licensing process.

In the last month, the first licensed cannabis dispensaries in our city have opened for business. One is owned by a not-for-profit that supports people living with H.I.V. and A.I.D.S., the other by a formerly incarcerated entrepreneur who received priority for a license because he is one of countless Black men who was harmed by the drug war in the 1990s.

But these legitimate businesses are facing stiff competition from shops that are not following the rules. Instead of respect for the law, what we have seen recently is the proliferation of storefronts across New York City, selling unlicensed, unregulated untaxed cannabis products.

Those who flout the cannabis tax laws and regulations are robbing the very communities that are finally on the cusp of benefiting from a just and equitable system.

We cannot allow that. We’re not going to take two steps back by letting illegal smoke shops take over this emerging market, especially when so many of them are selling unlawful and unlicensed products that could seriously harm consumers.

It is time for the operation of illegal cannabis dispensaries to end.

Sheriff Miranda and our partners at the N.Y.P.D. recently took direct action to counter this trend. Over a two-week enforcement blitz, the Sheriff's Office issued 566 violations and seized $4.1 million worth of product at 53 locations.

And this week, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office sent letters to approximately 400 unlicensed smoke shops in Manhattan. The letters state that the city will commence legal eviction proceedings against commercial tenants who are engaged in illegal business activity. That includes the unlicensed sale of cannabis, the sale of untaxed cigarettes, and the sale of adulterated products. If owners and landlords fail to initiate timely eviction proceedings against these commercial tenants, the Sheriff's Office will take over and pursue eviction proceedings. 

While we are not ruling out criminal prosecutions for tax evasion, money laundering, or the sale of cannabis to minors, the focus of this initiative at this time is civil enforcement. We want to give New York's legal cannabis market a chance to thrive — and deliver on the vision of safety, equity and justice that advocates fought for so long. 

CBS New York reported on Mayor Adams' and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's efforts to stop illegal cannabis shops

and here's the full February 7 announcement of their strategy.

Watch Roosevelt Island Fireside Chat Interviews With Candidates Running For NYC Council District 5, Manhattan Borough President, District Attorney & Democratic Party District Leader - Early Voting Thru June 20 At Sportpark, Primary Election Day June 22 At PS/IS 217 & Learn About Ranked Choice Voting Too

 As previously reported:

Joyce Short and Ellen Polivy, two long-time Roosevelt Island activists, founded the Political Engagement Group (PEG) in order to revive Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s concept of “Fireside Chats,” right here on Roosevelt Island. Their aim is to provide voters on the Upper Eastside and Roosevelt Island with a personal view of the people, their platforms, and their interests in our communities, in order to help their neighbors make enlightened decisions when they cast their votes on June 22nd. 

Click here to view the Roosevelt Island Fireside Chats on You Tube with:

• Kim Moscaritolo- Candidate for City Council Representative
• Julie Menin- Candidate for City Council Representative
• Rebecca Lamorte- Candidate for City Council Representative
• Billy Freeland- Candidate for City Council Representative
• Tricia Shimamura- Candidate for City Council Representative 
• Chris Sosa- Candidate for City Council Representative  
  
• Brad Hoylman- Candidate for Manhattan Borough President 
• Ben Kallos- Candidate for Manhattan Borough President
• Mark Levine- Candidate for Manhattan Borough President
• Tali Farhadian Weinstein- Candidate for Manhattan District Attorney
• Eliza Orlins- Candidate for Manhattan District Attorney
• Lucy Lang- Candidate for Manhattan District Attorney
• Liz Crotty- Candidate for Manhattan District Attorney
• Dan Quart- Candidate for Manhattan District Attorney 
• Alvin Bragg- Candidate for Manhattan District Attorney
• Diana Florence- Candidate for Manhattan District Attorney
• Esther Yang- Candidate for Manhattan District Leader 

NYC early voting runs thru June 20. Roosevelt Island early voting location is at the Sportspark facility, 250 Main Street. Primary Election Day is June 22. Roosevelt Island Primary Election Day Polling location is at PS/IS 217 (645 Main Street). 

This year, NYC has ranked choice voting. This is how it works.

Manhattan District Attorney Candidate Liz Crotty Meets And Speaks With Roosevelt Island Residents Last Saturday At Farmers Market - Watch Video Of What She Says About Not Being A Self Described Progressive, Law Enforcement, Listening To Victims And Big Fan Of Roosevelt Island

According to the NY Times:

The race to become Manhattan’s next district attorney is shaping up to be one of the most important in decades, a watershed contest that is likely to fundamentally change the mission of the prominent office and may affect the future of former President Donald J. Trump. 

Yet the eight candidates are all relative unknowns, and, with no public polling, there is no clear front-runner. The victor is likely to win the general election in November without having received a majority of votes in the Democratic primary.

Liz Crotty is among the candidates seeking to replace Cy Vance as Manhattan District Attorney. 

My campaign for #ManhattanDA has been about #publicsafety from day one.

We can't let crime control our city. We need to hold people accountable to keep our neighborhoods safe.

NYC Dem voters say safety is top concern in new mayoral poll via @nypost - https://t.co/KPGJl3g0un pic.twitter.com/aFhQn7Qkii

— Elizabeth Crotty (@LizCrotty2021) May 17, 2021

According to Ms. Crotty's website: 

As Manhattan District Attorney, my number one priority will be the safety of New York City and defending the rights of victims to get the justice they deserve. We can't afford a Manhattan DA who won't keep us safe....

Read Elizabeth's Priorities ...

... Elizabeth will bring 20 years of firsthand criminal law experience to the Manhattan District Attorney’s office — experience that cannot be taught in a course on policy development or by tenure in an executive office, but experience that can only come from working in the trenches and the courts consistently, day after day.

Elizabeth’s experience has provided her a clear vision to see that the District Attorney’s Office can do better. However, she understands the only way to better the office is with a plan that is practical and works with the system. 

Her plan starts with ensuring the office is working in the people’s best interest — always prioritizing every New Yorker’s hope for public safety. Every neighborhood and community needs to feel that the District Attorney’s Office is working for them. That means it must work closely in each and every in diverse community in Manhattan, as well as work with the police to make sure that they are protecting the communities they are entrusted to serve with dignity and honor....

Ms Crotty was at the Roosevelt Island Farmers Market last Saturday speaking with residents about her run for Manhattan District Attorney and local issues. I spoke with her too. Here's what Ms. Crotty had to say. 

I asked Ms Crotty what she thought of Roosevelt Island. She replied:

Oh I love Roosevelt's Island. 

I've been coming here since I was a kid.

My best friends when I was like nine and ten years old, the family I grew up with lived right here on 530 Main street so when I was a kid and you wanted to come for a sleepover on Roosevelt Island you got a tram ride, you got to swim in a pool and you got to go see watch a movie in their apartment. 

That was always a big thrill. I love Roosevelt Island. I play tennis here as an adult and so I've been a frequent visitor since the 1980s when it first started. 

I've always been a big Roosevelt Island fan.

Learn more about Ms Crotty's campaign for Manhattan District Attorney, experience and views on criminal justice issues at her website.

Ms. Crotty's opponents in the June 22 Manhattan District Attorney Democratic Party Primary are:

• Eliza Orlins
• Dan Quart (interview at Farmers Market)
  
• Tali Farhadian Weinstein
• Diana Florence (interview at Farmers Market here)
• Tahanie Aboushi
• Alvin L. Bragg Jr. and
• Lucy J. Lang

The Gotham Gazette has more information on all the candidates for 2021 Manhattan District Attorney election.

Manhattan District Attorney Candidate Dan Quart Meets And Speaks With Roosevelt Island Residents Last Saturday At Nisi Restaurant - Watch Video Of What He Says About Criminal Justice Reform And Longstanding Relationship With RI Residents And Issues

According to the NY Times:

The race to become Manhattan’s next district attorney is shaping up to be one of the most important in decades, a watershed contest that is likely to fundamentally change the mission of the prominent office and may affect the future of former President Donald J. Trump. 

Yet the eight candidates are all relative unknowns, and, with no public polling, there is no clear front-runner. The victor is likely to win the general election in November without having received a majority of votes in the Democratic primary.

Dan Quart is among the candidates seeking to replace Cy Vance as Manhattan District Attorney. According to Mr Quart's website:

Dan Quart is a New York State Assembly Member representing Manhattan’s East Side and one of New York City’s top pro-bono attorneys. A Washington Heights native, Dan grew up in subsidized housing with his working-class parents. His dad, Irving, was a public school teacher for 41 years, and his mother, Madeline was a guidance counselor at a Manhattan public school. Irving and Madeline instilled the value of service to others and giving back to the community in Dan from a young age.

After graduating from SUNY Binghamton and St. John's School of Law, Dan defended tenants’ rights and public lands as a pro bono attorney. Volunteering with the Legal Aid Society, Dan represented rent controlled and stabilized tenants who were facing eviction by unscrupulous developers. He has also served as an 18-b criminal defense attorney. 

Through his legal work, Dan witnessed the harmful failings of New York’s justice system for Black, indigenous, and people of color and low-income communities. Since being elected in 2011 to the New York State Assembly, he’s been a staunch advocate for criminal justice reform and fighting for working families. 

Dan is running for Manhattan District Attorney to hold police brutality accountable, fight white supremacy, end cash bail and mass incarceration, review wrongful convictions, stop the criminalization of poverty, and offer more alternatives to jail or prison....

Mr. Quart has been involved with Roosevelt Island issues since 2004 when he represented Eastwood residents (now Roosevelt Landings) pro bono during their Mitchell Lama privatization negotiations. 

Mr. Quart was at the Roosevelt Island Nisi Restaurant last Saturday speaking with residents about his run for Manhattan District Attorney and local issues. I spoke with him too. Here's what Mr Quart had to say.

Learn more about Mr Quart's campaign for Manhattan District Attorney, experience and views on criminal justice issues at his website.

Get ready, NYC! I'm excited to officially launch my campaign for #ManhattanDA today to fight for:
✅Police accountability
✅Prosecuting hate crimes
✅Stopping white collar crime
✅Ending mass incarceration
✅and more reforms

🙋‍♀️Sound good to you? Join us: https://t.co/YhJcEOvzFA pic.twitter.com/AT3QFG3CnV

— Dan Quart ⚖️ (丹濶特) (@AMDanQuart) February 4, 2021

 Mr Quart's opponents in the June 22 Manhattan District Attorney Democratic Party are:

• Eliza Orlins
• Elizabeth R. Crotty
• Tali Farhadian Weinstein
• Diana Florence (interview at Farmers Market here)
• Tahanie Aboushi
• Alvin L. Bragg Jr. and
• Lucy J. Lang 

The Gotham Gazette has more information on all the candidates for 2021 Manhattan District Attorney election.

Manhattan District Attorney Candidate Diana Florence Meets And Speaks To Roosevelt Island Residents At Farmers Market Last Saturday - Watch Video Of What She Has To Say

According to the NY Times:

The race to become Manhattan’s next district attorney is shaping up to be one of the most important in decades, a watershed contest that is likely to fundamentally change the mission of the prominent office and may affect the future of former President Donald J. Trump. 

Yet the eight candidates are all relative unknowns, and, with no public polling, there is no clear front-runner. The victor is likely to win the general election in November without having received a majority of votes in the Democratic primary. ...

Diana Florence is among the candidates seeking to replace Cy Vance as Manhattan District Attorney. According to Ms Florence's website:

Diana Florence began her career as a prosecutor 25 years ago in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, putting people first. There she fought for people who never thought they’d win, going after powerful interests and large scale corruption. She won landmark convictions against companies and individuals for defrauding 9/11 charities, terrorizing the elderly, domestic violence, wage theft, and deadly work conditions. She held powerful interests accountable by prosecuting developers and construction companies for cheating workers and taxpayers. In a historic case against Harco Construction, she ultimately secured justice for the family of a 22 year-old construction worker, Carlos Moncayo, who was buried alive at work....

Ms Florence was at the Roosevelt Island Farmers Market last Saturday speaking with residents about her run for Manhattan District Attorney and local issues. I spoke with her too. Here's what Ms Florence had to say.

Learn more about Ms Florence's campaign for Manhattan District Attorney, experience and views on issues at her website.

I am launching my campaign for Manhattan District Attorney! We need a DA who puts people first.
📺 WATCH MY CAMPAIGN VIDEO 📺 pic.twitter.com/qKhY1ApNxH

— Diana Florence (@DianaJFlorence) August 3, 2020

 Ms Florence's opponents in the June 22 Manhattan District Attorney Democratic Party are:

• Eliza Orlins
• Elizabeth R. Crotty
• Tali Farhadian Weinstein
• Dan Quart
• Tahanie Aboushi
• Alvin L. Bragg Jr. and
• Lucy J. Lang 

The Gotham Gazette has more information on all the candidates for 2021 Manhattan District Attorney election.

Roosevelt Island Resident Hosting Zoom Q&A With Manhattan District Attorney Candidate Dan Quart Thursday December 17 - Watch Manhattan DA Candidate's Forum On Racial Justice Too

Roosevelt Island resident Ellen Polivy reports:

Please join me at a Virtual Meet and Greet for Dan Quart who is running for Manhattan DA to bring “real progressive change”.  

I know Dan for a long time. We served on the community board together. Over a year ago, I invited some friends to my living room to hear Dan speak about his ideas on reforming criminal justice in New York City. He is challenging the damaging approach of Cyrus Vance . At that time Dan Quart was the only declared candidate for Manhattan DA. His thoughtful ideas impressed me as having the potential to change the trajectory of generations of families.

Turns out, many of his ideas from his meeting were echoed this summer in the demands of the Black Lives Matter protesters and in the recent Keynote speech from PNHP by Dr. Rhea Boyd about policing, racism and COVID. When you have a spare 40 minutes, watch her powerful call for action. It will break your heart and hopefully move you to vote for a Progressive to be the next Manhattan DA.

I invited Dan Quart back on zoom to talk to a potentially larger audience who now don't have to cram into my living room.

There are now 8 or 9 candidates running for this office. We can only make an informed decision by learning about each candidate. This is a start. Please listen to Dan and ask him tough questions.

No charge to attend. No obligation. just come, listen and ask questions. This is not a fund raiser.

According to the Gotham Gazette, there are: 

 ... nine candidates running in the 2021 Democratic primary for Manhattan District Attorney. Incumbent Cy Vance has not declared whether or not he plans to run for reelection, but he has not been actively fundraising for another run and has not appeared at any of the early forums...

The Manhattan District Attorney candidates include:

• civil rights attorney Tahanie Aboushi; 
• former Principal Deputy State Attorney General Alvin Bragg; 
• former Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Liz Crotty; 
• former Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Diana Florence; 
• former Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Lucy Lang; 
• decarceration activist and civil rights attorney Janos Marton; 
• public defender Eliza Orlins; 
• Assemblymember Dan Quart; and 
• Tali Farhadian Weinstein, the former general counsel to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.

Click here for more information from the Gotham Gazette on the Manhattan District Attorney's race. Also, watch this October 13WNYC, Gothamist and the CUNY School of Law Manhattan District Attorney candidates forum as they discuss and debate their visions for racial justice.

Roosevelt Island Homeless Wheelchair Bound Woman Swindled Of More Than $1.5 Million By Trusted Roosevelt Island Deli Owner Charges Queens District Attorney

An owner of the Roosevelt Island Bread & Butter Deli was among 5 people arrested yesterday and charged in a scheme that swindled over $1.5 million from Michelle Carter, a wheelchair bound homeless woman who was frequently seen panhandling over the years on Roosevelt Island.

Heartless crooks swindle homeless amputee out of $1.5M in settlement cash https://t.co/2Q2VvlJiOU pic.twitter.com/B1SELYZVJp

— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) October 26, 2018

According to this October 24 press release from the Queens District Attorney's Office:

FIVE PEOPLE CHARGED IN SCHEME THAT SWINDLED OVER $1.5 MILLION FROM WHEELCHAIR-BOUND HOMELESS WOMAN

Stolen Money Was Last of Settlement Victim Received After Losing Legs in Subway Incident; Main Defendant Allegedly Used Scammed Cash For Wedding, Bachelor Party and Honeymoon

Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown, joined by Amtrak Police Chief Neil Trugman, today announced that a 27-year-old Queens Bodega owner, his father, a bank manager and two other men have been variously charged with crimes ranging from money laundering, grand larceny, conspiracy, criminal possession of stolen property and other charges for allegedly bilking a wheelchair-bound homeless woman out of more than $1.5 million between October 8, 2015 and October17, 2018.

District Attorney Brown said, “The homeless victim in this case lost her legs years ago when she was struck by a Subway train. She sued and received a $4 million settlement. Her windfall, unfortunately, became the target of alleged scammers. The victim trusted a bodega owner to cash her check, but temptation proved too overwhelming. The main defendant allegedly used the money for his wedding and honeymoon and distributed funds to his friends. This kind of underhanded con is unacceptable and the defendants will be held accountable for these alleged crimes.”

Amtrak Police Chief Trugman said, “The Amtrak Police Department is working with and helping our law enforcement partners and the District Attorney’s Office in concluding Ms. Carter’s case by sharing all information and evidence we come across during our investigation. Amtrak continues to maintain a strong security posture to keep our stations safe for passengers and employees.”

District Attorney Brown identified the defendants as Ammar Awawdeh, 27, his father 58-year-old Yaser Awawdeh, both of 77th Street in Brooklyn, Salah Omairat, 30, of Fulton Street, also in Brooklyn, his brother Mukhtar Omairat, 36, of Staten Island and Anas Ali, 32, of Staten Island. (See Addendum for charges and arraignment details).

District Attorney Brown said that, according to the criminal complaints, Ammar and Yaser Awawdeh are the owners of the 579 Island Market store on Main Street in Roosevelt Island. The victim, Michelle Carter, 62, entrusted Ammar Awawdeh to cash one of her last settlement checks totaling just over $799,000. But when Ammar Awawdeh cashed the check he allegedly deposited the funds into the business’s bank account, where his friend and co-defendant Ali worked as a bank manager at the time. Between October 6, 2015 and October 30, 2015, defendant Ammar Awawdeh withdrew $200,000 of the funds for his personal use and distributed additional funds to the apprehend other defendants as well as to unapprehended others.

According to the complaints, continued District Attorney Brown, defendant Ammar Awawdeh used the pilfered $200,000 to pay for gambling trips and wedding expenses including a bachelor party in Las Vegas and honeymooning in Turks and Caicos.

Furthermore, said the District Attorney, according to the charges, in January 2016, the victim realized that her last settlement check for more than $886,000 was missing. She had placed the check in her Bible, which she carried around in her wheelchair along with her belongings. Ms. Carter went to a branch of the Bank of America to request that the check be re-issued. That is when she was told the check had been cashed and the victim reported the theft to the nearest law enforcement agency, the Amtrak Police at Penn Station.

The District Attorney said, according to the charges, the investigation revealed that defendant Ammar Awawdeh came to be in possession of the second check, however, this time not with the permission of the victim. Ammar Awawdeh along with his co-defendants allegedly conspired to steal the proceeds of this check by depositing it into the business bank account of a Queens bodega that was managed by co-defendant Salah Omairat at that time.

Continuing, said the District Attorney, the investigation allegedly revealed the second check was
deposited at the bank branch being managed by co-defendant Ali, who signed off on the depsoit of this check without the payee being present to endorse it. The following day, the stolen money was available to be disbursed and defendant Salah Omairat distributed more than $200,000 to himself and another bodega located in the Bronx. More than $200,000 was also given to defendant Ammar Awawdeh and the deli owned by he and his father and another $150,000 disbursed to his brothers bodega in Brooklyn.

According to the complaints, continued the District Attorney, defendant Yaser Awawdeh withdrew more than $40,000 cash and used $10,000 of that as a down payment for a new car. He also had $50,000 worth of cashier’s checks issued to several other entities, including a wholesale jeweler, a car dealership and a loan server. Defendant Ali was given $20,000 out of the cashed checks after approving the deposits. Ali no longer works for Chase bank.

A forensic analysis of all the bank records allegedly showed that the victim received just over $100,000 from the two checks that together totaled $1.685 million.

The case was investigated by Sergeant George Gernon, of the Amtrak Police Department, under the supervision of Inspector Kenneth Metz, Deputy Chief Martin Conway of the New York Division of Amtrak and Neil Trugman, Amtrak’s Chief of Police. The case was also investigated by Sergeant Patrick Dolan, of the Queens District Attorney’s Office, under the supervision of Lieutenant John Kenna, Deputy Chief Robert Burke and under the overall supervision of Chief Franco Russo. Also assisting in the investigation, Supervising Forensic Accountant James Dever, of the Queens District Attorney’s Office and Assistant District Attorney Christine Burke, of the Queens District Attorney’s Elder Fraud Unit.

Assistant District Attorney Christine Burke, of the District Attorney’s Elder Fraud Unit of the Economic Crimes Bureau, is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Silvana T. Sutich, Accountant and James J. Dever, Supervising Accountant Investigator, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Kristen A. Kane, Chief of the Elder Fraud Unit, Gregory C. Pavlides, Bureau Chief, and Christina Hanophy, Deputy Bureau Chief, and the under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for Investigations Peter A. Crusco and Deputy Executive Assistant District Attorney for Investigations Wilbert J. LeMelle.

It should be noted that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The press release incorrectly identifies the Roosevelt Island deli as being a Queens bodega. Click here for full press release.

The Roosevelt Island Daily has more on Ms. Carter.

Former Director Of Roosevelt Island Senior Center Pleads Guilty To Grand Larceny

As previously reported in June 2016, the NYC Department For The Ageing (DFTA) replaced the long time operator of the Roosevelt Island Senior Center with the Carter Burden Network. No reason was announced by DFTA for the change in the Roosevelt Island Senior Center operator but rumors of improprieties were widespread.

At that time, I asked Roosevelt Island Seniors Association (RISA) President Barbara Parker if:

... an investigation is being conducted regarding Roosevelt Island Senior Center practices.

Ms Parker replied:

No. There is no investigation being conducted regarding the Roosevelt Island Senior Association.

Last week, I received a tip and then confirmed it's accuracy with the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. According to the Manhattan District Attorney's office,  former Roosevelt Island Senior Center Director Rema Townsend:

... pleaded guilty to one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree and one count of Petit Larceny in satisfaction of all the charges...

arising out of activities involving the Roosevelt Island Senior Center.

According to this report from the NYC Department of Investigations filed with the Manhattan District Attorney:

... I have spoken with defendant. She informed me that from prior to 2010 through in or about June 2016, she was the Director of the Roosevelt Island Senior Center, which is located in New York County and which provides services to senior citizens. Defendant stated that the Senior Center was funded and overseen by the Roosevelt Island Seniors Association ("RISA"), a not-for-profit organization located in New York County.

I have reviewed business records of Amalgamated Bank for accounts in the name of Roosevelt Island Seniors Association, which have a New York County address. They show that approximately 109 checks drawn on those accounts were made payable to _____ [Individual #1]. The first check was dated January 27, 2012, the last check was dated May 27, 2016, and the remaining checks were dated throughout 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. The aggregate value of the checks was over $22,900. I have reviewed business records of [Redacted By Editor] Bank for an account in defendant's name. They show that 91 of those checks, with an aggregate value of over $18,500, were deposited into defendant’s bank account.

Defendant stated, in sum and substance, that she caused all of the checks to be issued. _____ [Individual #1] is defendant's son's father, and defendant had attempted to hire _____ [Individual #1] to make food deliveries for RISA. After some period of time, _____ [Individual #1] stopped working for RISA, and defendant then temporarily split the food-delivery responsibilities with a man named _____ [Individual #2]. _____ [Individual #2] requested payment in cash, so, in order to accommodate him, defendant paid _____ [Individual #2] $50 a week in cash - approximately half the value of the checks made payable to _____ [Individual #1]. The cash came from the checks made payable to _____ [Individual #1], which defendant either negotiated into her personal bank account or which she gave to _____ [Individual #1], who then gave her cash. For the time she was splitting delivery responsibilities, defendant paid herself the balance of those _____ [Individual #1] checks - the amount that had not been paid to _____ [Individual #2]. Defendant also acknowledged that she had previously been told by an auditor representing the New York City Department for the Aging, which provided nearly all of the funding for RISA, that defendant was not allowed to collect both her salary as Director and also funds for food deliveries.

Defendant stated that at some point in time she began relying exclusively on _____ [Individual #2] to make the food deliveries, that she continued paying him $50 a week in cash from the _____ [Individual #1] checks, and that she took the remaining funds from those checks and placed them in RISA's petty cash drawer, which she alone supervised.

I have reviewed RISA "Weekly Homebound Deliveries/Route Sheet[s]", which defendant stated were used to record food deliveries to seniors. There are multiple sheets that identify "_____ [Individual #1]" as the deliverer, and sheets in 2014 and 2015 that appear to have been initialed or signed by _____ [Individual #1]. Defendant stated that she signed _____ [Individual #1]'s name on Route Sheets after he ceased working there.

I have spoken with Gretchen Robinson, the Compliance and Internal Controls Officer at Roosevelt Island Operation Corporation ("RIOC"), which manages Roosevelt Island and, among other things, issues grants. Robinson supplied me with a grant application submitted to RIOC by RISA and RIOC business records relating to that application. Defendant stated that she had prepared the application and sent the documents. The RIOC records show that RIOC issued two $6,500 checks to RISA, dated August 26, 2014 and February 6, 2015, in response to defendant's grant application. They show also that defendant subsequently submitted, in support of those payments, a $3,323.36 invoice for the purchase of a refrigerator, a $1,420.59 invoice for the purchase of a stove, and a $1989.11 invoice for painting services.

I am informed by Sasha Fishman, the Associate Commissioner of Budget and Fiscal Operations at the New York City Department for the Aging, that the Department funds various goods and services paid for by RISA. According to Fishman, and based on my review of business records maintained by the Department, on or about February 22, 2016, the Department received from RISA the same stove, refrigerator, and painting invoices in support of a funding request. On or about April 12, 2016, the Department issued a $6,408.70 payment to fund those invoices. I am informed further that the Department was not told that the items had previously been funded by RIOC, and I am informed that the Department would not have reimbursed RISA for those invoices had it known that they had been funded by a separate organization. Defendant acknowledged that she submitted the invoices to the Department in support of the $6,408.70 payment. She stated further that she believed it was permissible to request and receiving funding from two different agencies for the same goods and services.

I have spoken with Anthony Caputo, the Chief Executive Officer at Concepts of Independence, an organization headquartered in Manhattan that is a fiscal intermediary and that administers consumer directed personal assistance services. I have also reviewed business records of that organization. According to Caputo and the business records I reviewed, from on or about May 2010 through on or about July 6, 2012, defendant was employed as a Personal Assistant and provided services under the supervision and direction of the consumer in accordance to a Medicaid plan of care. I have reviewed weekly timesheets from the week ending March 25, 2011 through the week ending July 6, 2012, all of which bear what appears to be defendant's signature. They show that during each week in that time period, defendant was working ten hours a day, Monday through Friday, for a consumer who resided in the Bronx. As a result of her timesheet submissions, defendant received $50,000 dollars from Concepts of Independence. According to defendant, during that time period, she was also a full-time Director of the Roosevelt Island Senior Center with a salary of tens of thousands of dollars.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 2018.

Here's Ms. Townsend describing Roosevelt Island Senior Center activities and programs during an October 14, 2015 presentation to the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Purpose Funds (PPF) Committee.



The Roosevelt Island Daily has more.

Roosevelt Island Constituent & Immigration Services Support 11 AM Wednesday March 16 At Seniors Center - Presented By NY State Senator Jose Serrano, NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, NYC Council Member Ben Kallos & NY County District Attorney

Tomorrow: RISA @ 11am @Rooseveltisland mobile hours with a focus on immigrant services. Join us! pic.twitter.com/mEQsic1hKD

— Rebecca Seawright (@SeawrightForNY) March 15, 2016

Roosevelt Island's NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright reports:

Please join our office tomorrow at 11am at the Roosevelt Island Senior Association for mobile constituent hours focusing on immigrant services with the offices of New York State Senator Jose M. Serrano, District Attorney Cy Vance and New York City Council Member Ben Kallos.

Roosevelt Island's NY State Senator Jose Serrano adds:

Are there issues you would like to discuss with your elected officials but are unable to visit their district offices? Come meet with our offices to share your problems or situation. We are here to assist.

During this session, a Community Coordinator from the New York County District Attorney's Office will be sharing information about how immigrant communities are often victimized through fraudulent schemes and what individuals can do to protect themselves from these scams. In addition, they will share information about identity theft, internet safety and elder abuse among many other topics.

We will also be joined by a representative from the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) who will create appointments for those who need FREE immigration legal support through the Mayor's Action NYC initiative and for those who would like to sign up for IDNYC (NYC Municipal ID)

For more information, please contact Senator Serrano's Office. Phone (212) 828 -5829. Email: Serrano@nysenate.gov

Considering A Legal Career? Roosevelt Island High School Students Invited To Apply For Manhattan District Attorney's Office Paid Summer Internship Program

Are you a Roosevelt Island High School Sophmore, Junior or Senior interested in learning more about the criminal justice system? If yes, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office (NY County) has a paid summer internship program for you. According the the Manhattan District Attorney:

Program Overview

The New York County District Attorney’s High School Internship Program is a rigorous six-week internship that provides students with an insider’s view of the criminal justice system. For 28 years, the program’s interns have represented a variety of public, independent, and parochial schools from the diverse communities of Manhattan. We are currently accepting applications from bright and promising students who are interested in serving their communities. Interns receive a $150 weekly stipend.

Each intern is assigned to a unit within the Office and helps Assistant District Attorneys and other staff members with their work. Interns also attend presentations and trips and participate in a mock trial competition.

Eligibility

• Applicants must reside in Manhattan or attend a school in Manhattan
• Applicants must be sophomores, juniors or sen- iors in high school
• Applicants must commit to attend the entire program (July 11, 2016 - August 19, 2016, Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM)

Application Requirements

Applicants must complete an online application and submit the following materials by:
Friday, March 25, 2016.

• A completed application form
• A one-page resume
• An essay, no longer than 500 words, discussing a goal or project that reflects your interest in criminal justice
• A letter of recommendation from your school. (A second letter of recommendation from school or another activity that you are connected to may be provided, if desired.)

To apply, please visit:
www.manhattanda.org/high-school-internship

Only completed applications will be reviewed. Interviews will be scheduled on Saturdays and on certain weekday afternoons in April and May.

Not all applicants will be interviewed.

Questions?

Contact the Community Partnerships Unit: 212-335-9082

EducationInitiatives@dany.nyc.gov

Good luck.

Considering A Legal Career? Roosevelt Island High School Rising Junior & Senior Students Invited To Apply For Manhattan District Attorney's Office Summer Internship Program

Roosevelt Island rising junior & senior High School students are invited to apply to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office

Image From Manhattan D.A.'s Office

Summer Internship Program. According to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office:

Our office’s Legal Bound High School Summer Internship Program is a rigorous six-week internship that provides students with an insider’s view of the criminal justice system and law enforcement in New York County. This internship is open to rising juniors and seniors in high school who reside in Manhattan. Our interns attend a variety of public, private and parochial schools representing the diverse communities of the borough.

Interns are assigned to various units within the office and assist attorneys and support staff with projects and other responsibilities. They also attend many law-related presentations and trips and prepare for a mock trial throughout the program....

Image From Manhattan District Attorney's Office

The application deadline is April 18.

Click here for more information.

You're Invited To March 12 Freewheeling Question And Answer Conversation With Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Jack McManus - Tell Him What Is Going On

Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Chair Erin Feely-Nahem invites you to a Meet And Greet Conversation with Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department Director Jack McManus  7 PM tomorrow evening, March 12, at the Westview (625 Main Street) Lower Community Room.

During the February 24 Criminal Justice/Public Safety Town Hall Meeting with Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance and NY State Senator Jose Serrano, Ms. Feely-Nahem acknowledged the positive changes to the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department brought about by RIOC President Charlene Indelicato and PSD Director Jack McManus but noted that more change was needed as well as an accounting for past misconduct. Here's what Ms. Feely-Nahem said.



RIRA's Frank Farance also spoke during the Town Hall meeting. Mr. Farance focused on allegations of past Public Safety Department misconduct including Officers physically abusing residents and fabricating testimony. District Attorney Vance said his Rackets Bureau Chief would look into the misconduct allegations. Here's what Mr. Farance had to say.



Here is the full video of the Roosevelt Island Criminal Justice Town Hall Meeting as well as September 2013 question and answer session with PSD Director McManus.

Roosevelt Island Town Hall Meeting With Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, NYPD 114th Precinct Commander Kevin Maloney And NY State Senator Jose Serrano - Here's What Happened

Last evening, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, NYPD 114 Precinct Commander Kevin Maloney and NY State Senator Jose Serrano held a Roosevelt Island Town Hall Meeting to discuss criminal justice and public safety issues effecting our community.

Senator Serrano tweeted:

Proud to be on panel w/ Dep Ins Maloney, CO of the 114th, and @ManhattanDA. Great questions from #RooseveltIsland'rs! pic.twitter.com/NV9eJpZn5E
— Sen. Jose M. Serrano (@SenatorSerrano) February 25, 2014

The Town Hall began with an introduction by Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) President Jeff Escobar followed by brief presentations from DA Vance, State Senator Serrano and Deputy Inspector Maloney.

DA Vance addressed the recent arrest and sentencing of the former Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Vice President Of Operations for falsifying payroll records, the allegations of Public Safety Department (PSD) Officers misconduct (it's currently under investigation so he would not comment publicly on allegations) and issues of domestic violence.

Senator Serrano complimented Mr. Vance for the work of the DA's office noting that in addition to "taking down criminals", the DA's Office is concerned with keeping kids "from getting involved in any types of crime". Mr. Serrano also complimented the DA's office on how they serve and protect the immigrant community here on Roosevelt Island and the rest of Manhattan.

Deputy Inspector Maloney reported that he was recently appointed to his position at the 114 precinct last November and that this was his first official trip to Roosevelt Island though he has been working with RIOC Public Safety Director Jack McManus on Roosevelt Island issues. Deputy Inspector Maloney also said that there is one full time NYPD officer assigned to Roosevelt Island.

PSD Director McManaus (left) Next To NYPD's Maloney, DA Cyrus Vance And State Senator Serrano

Following the presentations, there was a one hour session of questions from the Roosevelt Island residents in attendance. Questions included issues of:

• Safety at Roosevelt Landings,
• The District Attorney's Trespass Affidavit Program,
• Misconduct Of Public Safety Department Officers as well as statements about improvements at PSD under new Director McManus,
• Allegations of PSD Officers fabricated testimony under prior PSD Administration and more.

There were also questions asked on non criminal justice issues such as:

• affordable housing
• emergency preparedness in the event of another Hurricane Sandy and
• making public meetings accessible for the hearing impaired.

Here's video of the entire 75 minute Town Hall Meeting.



It was a very informative Town Hall Meeting. Thanks to Senator Serrano, DA Vance and Deputy Inspector Maloney for participating and the Roosevelt Island audience for their excellent questions.

NYPD Arrests 3 Persons For Criminal Possession Of A Gun At Roosevelt Island's 580 Main Street (Roosevelt Landings) Last Friday - Criminal Justice/Public Safety Town Hall Meeting Sponsored By District Attorney Vance And State Senator Serrano February 24

According to this Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) Incident Report:

2/14/14 - 1958 - 580 Main St. - Crim. Possession of Weapon - NYPD conducts arrest

A NYPD Press Spokesperson reported that officers from the 114th Precinct responded to a 911 call of a gun spotted at 580 Main Street (Roosevelt Landings). Upon reaching the 4th floor of the building, the NYPD officers observed a gun on a ledge and arrested 3 persons in close proximity to the gun.

RIOC PSD Director Jack McManus adds that PSD received an anonymous call about a gun being spotted at the location. PSD then called 911 and NYPD responded.

Roosevelt Island criminal justice and public safety issues will be the subject of a Town Hall Meeting on Monday, February 24.

 Image From State Senator Jose Serrano's Office

As previously reported:

Senator José M. Serrano and Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. are sponsoring a very important Town Hall Meeting for the Roosevelt Island community. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact directly with DA Vance and our local elected officials, while learning more about the services provided by the District Attorney's office.

Do you have concerns about public safety and the role of the DA's office? Suggestions or questions? The panel, which will include DA Vance and Senator Serrano, will lead a discussion enabling Roosevelt Island residents to have their voices heard. Please join us!

This Town Hall Meeting will take place on Monday, February 24th, from 6:00pm-7:00pm at the Good Shepherd Community Center Auditorium, located at 543 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044.

Light refreshments will be served.

This is an important meeting. Hope to see you there.

UPDATE 2/26 - According to a Manhattan District Attorney's Office representative, the weapons charge was dismissed. The weapon was a BB gun. A charge of marijuana possession remains.

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance And NY State Senator Jose Serrano Holding Roosevelt Island Town Hall Meeting Monday February 24 - You're Invited To Attend And Ask Questions

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance will be coming to Roosevelt Island to hold a Town Hall Meeting on Monday February 24 from 6 - 7 PM at the Good Shepherd Community Center (543 Main Street). There will be a panel discussion followed by questions from the community.

According to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office:

Our office is holding a town hall meeting on Roosevelt Island in partnership with Senator Serrano’s Office on Monday, February 24th at 6:00 PM. New York State Assembly member Micah Kellner will also join the panel.

This is a great opportunity for residents to express their views on Roosevelt Island Criminal Justice and Public Safety Department (PSD) issues to the Manhattan DA and our elected representatives.

For more background on some of these issues, check out previous posts, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) December 2013 PSD Audit and this video of Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee meeting with new PSD Director Jack McManus last September.



More video from the RIRA meeting with PSD Director Jack McManus at this previous post.

UPDATE 2/18 - From Senator Serrano's office:

Senator José M. Serrano and Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. are sponsoring a very important Town Hall Meeting for the Roosevelt Island community. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact directly with DA Vance and our local elected officials, while learning more about the services provided by the District Attorney's office.

Do you have concerns about public safety and the role of the DA's office? Suggestions or questions? The panel, which will include DA Vance and Senator Serrano, will lead a discussion enabling Roosevelt Island residents to have their voices heard. Please join us!

This Town Hall Meeting will take place on Monday, February 24th, from 6:00pm-7:00pm at the Good Shepherd Community Center Auditorium, located at 543 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044.

Light refreshments will be served.

Former Roosevelt Island Operating Corp Vice President Of Operations Pleads Guilty To Filing False Payroll Records With Intent To Defraud RIOC

 Image of former RIOC VP Of Operations Fernando Martinez (center) at 11/15/12 Ops Committee

Former Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Vice President Of Operations Fernando Martinez plead guilty today to a felony of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree.

Here's what is known at this time.

At the end of last night's Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee meeting, I asked Manhattan District Attorney's Office Community Affairs Coordinator Denise Liriano about the status of the NY State Inspector General (IG) investigations into RIOC. Ms. Liriano replied that as a result of the IG's investigation, Mr. Martinez had been arrested. Ms. Liriano added:

Fernando Martinez was arraigned on January 14, 2014 on a charge of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree for offering falsified payroll records to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation. Martinez plead not guilty and was remanded. The case was adjourned to January 23, 2014 and there should be an outcome shortly.

Earlier today, the Manhattan District Attorney's Press Spokesperson reported that Mr. Martinez:

...pleaded guilty today, and his sentencing is scheduled for February 20.

According to the Complaint submitted by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office:

Statutory Language - the defendant, knowing that a written instrument contained false information and with intent to defraud the state and a subdivision thereof presented it to a public office believing that it would become a part of the records of such office.

Complaint Language - I am informed by Defendant that on October 1, 2010, Defendant, acting in concert with Javier Ramos, caused to be filed the certified payroll records of Bright Cleaning Solutions, Inc., with the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, Inc., (the "RIOC")(a public office) located at 591 Main Street, New York, New York 10044, that he knew contained false information, with intent to defraud the RIOC, knowing that it would be registered with and become part of the records of the RIOC.

Mr. Martinez resigned effective December 21 from RIOC.

UPDATE 1/24 - I asked RIOC President Charlene Indelicato and the RIOC Board of Directors for comment about this matter yesterday. Have not received a reply yet.

In reply to my inquiry, former RIOC President Steve Shane wrote:

The event occurred after my tenure so I have no knowledge of what was involved. I presume the allocution accompanying the guilty plea would contain the details.

I always preached the Caesar's wife standard and never had any reason to doubt Fernando's loyalty, dedication or integrity.

I am sad for him and his family.

Mr. Shane added:

In reading the comments, the record should be clear that Fernando had absolutely nothing to do with the hiring of Keith Guerra. After rating and ranking the many resumes that were submitted in response to the public advertisement, a committee of Board members held face to face interviews and made the selection of Keith, who after checking his references, was duly hired.