Bronx Voice - January 5, 2022

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5th Year, No. 15

Photo courtesy of the Bronx District Attorney's office

SAN JUAN COCAINE PIPELINE

Trafficker had fake police car in Puerto Rico Page to harass drug rivals, prosecutors say 4

January 5 - 11, 2022

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Lincoln Hospital’s

Baby New Year

Photo by Linda Morales

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Bronx mom shot pushing stroller, suspect charged

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A Bronx man has been charged with shooting a mother as she pushed her two-year-old daughter in a stroller.

Prosecutors say the mom was not the alleged gunman’s intended target.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark said, “The defendant acted recklessly with indifference to life when he fired a gun on a Bronx street. The bullet did not strike his target; instead it

struck a woman who was pushing her twoyear-old daughter in a stroller. No person, let alone a mother and her child, should have to fear gunfire while walking down the street.

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Cody Ball, 27, of West 225th Street, the Bronx, was arraigned before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Efrain Alvarado on Attempted Murder in the second-degree, Attempted Assault in the first-degree, two charges of second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, third-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, first-degree

Reckless Endangerment, second-degree Assault, Attempted Assault in the second-degree, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, second-degree Reckless Endangerment, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, third-degree Assault, fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of Ammunition. The defendant is due back in court on March 18, 2022.

According to the investigation, on November 4, 2021, Ball allegedly fired one gunshot after getting into a dispute with another man. That bullet struck the victim as she walked down West 225th Street in the Marble Hill section of the Bronx. The bullet struck her in the leg.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

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Puerto Rico - Bronx cocaine pipeline

Trafficker had fake police car in Puerto Rico to harass drug rivals, prosecutors say

nez-Diaz arranged for corrupt members of the Puerto Rico Police Department (“PRPD”) to locate rival drug dealers and effect unwarranted traffic stops to control their moveJose Martinez-Diaz, criminal operations and in ments or to isolate them a/k/a “Tony Zinc,” was connection with rivalries until others from La ONU sentenced to 20 years with other criminal orga- could attack them. in prison after pleading nizations.

In or about 2007, Martiguilty to participating in a In particular, members nez-Diaz ordered a shootracketeering conspiracy. of the enterprise were or- ing on Avenue MonserAccording to the In- dered to shoot and kill sus- rate in Carolina, Puerto dictment, other filings in pected rival drug traffick- Rico. The target was shot, this case, and statements ing members. but survived. during court proceedMartinez-Diaz, or those On another occasion, ings: Martinez-Diaz was a working on his behalf, Martinez-Diaz paid a pohigh-volume cocaine traf- smuggled cocaine from lice officer $5,000 in conficker who supplied over the Dominican Republic nection with the attempt5,000 kilograms of co- to Puerto Rico, usually by ed murder of a rival drug caine to La ONU, a crim- boat. dealer known as “Taliinal enterprise involved The shipments often ban.” The intended victim in shipping thousands of occurred as frequently as was shot, but survived. kilograms of cocaine from once per week, with such Martinez-Diaz funded Puerto Rico to New York. shipments containing 130 and assisted La ONU in Cocaine from La ONU to 160 kilograms of co- its fight against its rival, was then distributed in caine.

La Rompe ONU. For exNew York City, including Martinez-Diaz would ample, MARTINEZ-DIout of a daycare center in then parcel out the ship- AZ provided money to the Bronx, New York. ments to La ONU mem- La ONU members to purMembers and associates bers. chase firearms. of La ONU also engaged Martinez-Diaz used the In addition, Martiin acts of violence, includ- machinery of La ONU to nez-Diaz and others creating murder, to protect and protect his narcotics trade. ed a fake PRPD patrol car. expand the enterprise’s For example, MartiMembers of La ONU

A drug trafficker who ran cocaine from Puerto Rico to locations throughout NYC including a Bronx daycare center, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, federal prosecutors said.

File Photo

Federal proescutors claim a Bronx man used a phony police car in Puerto Rico to harass his rivals.

used the fake patrol car to harass and intimidate members of La Rompe ONU, and to conduct shootings.

Martinez-Diaz also worked with a corrupt Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) agent, who helped Martinez-Diaz and others in the narcotics conspiracy evade detection by law enforcement.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Furman sentenced Martinez-Diaz, 48, of Puerto Rico,

to three years of supervised release, and ordered him to forfeit $6.875 million.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Jose Martinez-Diaz supplied a staggering quantity of cocaine, a dangerous and addictive drug, to a violent drug trafficking organization. Some of the cocaine he supplied came to New York, where it was distributed out of, among other places, a daycare center in the Bronx. To ensure his drug business flourished, Martinez-Diaz brokered violence and even used corrupt law enforcement officials.

Today Jose Martinez-Diaz was rightly sentenced to a lengthy prison term for his horrific crimes.”

Biz donates fridge to help Bronx food pantry

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Drimmers Appliances in Brooklyn recently donated a new 20-cubicfoot Frigidaire Frigerator to the St. Helena Food Pantry.

The pantry is open every Wednesday at 12PM at the St. Helena Green Building on Westchester Avenue.

Pop-up farmers market helps with food security

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Last week’s farmers market in Crotona Park was the final of four events featuring produce from local BIPOC farmers, recipes in English and Spanish, and chef-led cooking demonstrations coordinated by FoodStream.

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Phipps Neighborhoods (PN) is proud to celebrate the final of four Pop-Up Farmers Markets hosted at its affiliated organization’s (Phipps Houses) sites in West Farms and Crotona Park.

PN’s fall food justice farmers markets have served more than 1,200 Bronx families with 18,000 pounds of healthy, local BIPOC grown produce and food from local farmers and food producers, through partner FoodStream. This series of free food access events aimed to address food insecurity and the lack of nutritious food available in Bronx Community District 6 (CD6).

Family food insecurity was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic across the South Bronx, and in these communities in particular.

The farmers markets were organized to make healthy food choices more accessible for community members in the poorest congressional district in America. 24% of families in Bronx Community District 6 were experiencing food insecurity prior to the pandemic.

A recent New York City Department of Health study found that 19% of Bronx CD6 resi-

dents report consuming fewer than 1 serving of fruits and vegetables per day. Organizers chose to collaborate with Phipps Houses to amplify the reach of the wrap-around services that Phipps Neighborhoods offers to residents and neighbors of Phipps Houses buildings.

“These farmers markets are very helpful for us to complement our meals,” shared Elsa, a senior leaving at Lambert Houses. “It’s very hard to have access to fruits and veggies in this area. Fruits and veggies are needed for basic nutrition, and we don’t have access to it. And if we do, they are more expensive. We are very grateful for this.”

The final Pop-Up Farmers Market was held outside Phipps Houses Crotona Park West and Lynda Simmons Homes at 1581 Fulton Ave. Each person who attended one of the pop-up markets received enough food to feed a family of four for three days. Ultimately, these food access events connected families to over 27,000 meals and 18,000 lbs (9 tons) of fresh produce. Recipe cards were offered in English and Spanish to provide culturally releCONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Pop-up farmers market helps food security

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-vant options for cooking the produce provided.

“Our neighbors have struggled to access healthy options like fresh produce locally within their community long before COVID,” explained Allison Marino, Director of External Relations at Phipps Neighborhoods. “It’s fulfilling to bring partners together and to activate impactful opportunities for families through the Bronx Im-

pact Food Access Collective to challenge the root causes of food insecurity.”

Phipps Neighborhoods is seeking future partners and financial supporters to continue hosting farmers markets & food access events for community members in the South Bronx. For more information about future collaboration in the Bronx or supporting food justice in Bronx Community District 6, contact Allison Marino at amarino@phippsny.org.

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70 guns taken off the streets during buyback

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By David Greene Several local non-profit organizations have joined forces and held a gun buyback program that helped remove 70 guns off the streets by offering owners a gift card of $50 for a BB gun or imitation gun and up to $500 for a handgun or assault rifle.

The event held at the Butler Memorial United Methodist Church, in Wakefield was a partnership between “A Mother's Promise," the Oyate Group and the “Bronx Rising Initiative” in collaboration with the Mayor's Office Community Affairs Unit, the NYPD

Community Affairs Bureau, the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice and Butler Memorial United Methodist Church.

A Mother's Promise was founded by Eve Hendricks in honor of her son Brandon who was shot and killed in June, 2020, when a gunman fired into a

Photos courtesy of the Bronx District Attorney's office

Six rifles and two shotguns were handed in during a gun buyback program held at the Butler Memorial United Methodist Church on Saturday.

crowd along Davidson Avenue, fatally striking Brandon Hendricks.

According to Patrice O'Shaughnessy of the Bronx District Attorney's office, the event brought in 75 guns from the commu-

nity that included 1 assault-style rifle, 23 revolvers, 17 semi-automatic pistols, 6 rifles, 2 shotguns and 21 BB guns or air pistols as well as a computer-generated "ghost gun.”

Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark

told the Bronx Voice, "Getting these guns off the street and out of homes saves lives. I thank Bronx Rising and the Mayor's Office of Community Affairs and the NYPD for sponsoring this gun buyback."

Members of the Office of the Bronx District Attorney and members of the NYPD stand behind a table with the 70 guns collected during a gun buyback held at the Butler Memorial United Methodist Church.

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Santa visits Monte Children’s Hospital

Five-month-old baby Mason from the Bronx celebrated his first Christmas with a virtual visit from Santa at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore. He also received some holiday gifts thanks to the 2021 Holidays from the Heart campaign.

‘Tree of Angels’ dedicated to those killed on Bronx streets

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By David Greene Dozens of still-grieving family members, "the survivors,” gathered for a special tree lighting with members of the Crime Victims Assistance Bureau (CVAU) and Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark-- for the annual decorating and lighting of the 'Tree of Angels’ dedicated to local victims of homicide.

Canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, the somber annual tree lighting was held on outside of the satellite office of CVAU at Community Board # 12.

Clark told the crowd of survivors, "You know that my office never gives up. Obviously, there was an example of that this year when we were able to solve the cold case from 22 years ago."

The standing room only crowd burst into applause. Clark was referring to the November 29th arrest of Joseph Martinez, 49, in the 1999 murder of Minerliz Soriano, 13.

Clark continued, "I've talked to some of you that still haven't had answers, don't worry, we're going to keep trying.”

According to Steven Rivera, 46, the “Tree of Angels” was the idea of his father Freddy Guz-

man after the October 1990 murder of Guzman's daughter Jessica, 10, and the subsequent 1992 conviction of serial killer Alejandro Henriquez, who was convicted in the murders of Guzman, as well as Shamira Bello, 14, and Lisa Ann Rodriguez, 21.

Rivera recalled that first tree lighting in December,1993, telling the Norwood News, "My dad saw that everybody was still miserable during the holidays, and he lit a tree and invited the families over."

Rivera's mother Milagros Guzman had formed the group Justice For Children with the four other families who lost loved ones to Henriquez.

Recalling that first tree lighting, Rivera said of his father, "He had a teardrop with an angel inside the teardrop and he took a gold marker

A photo of a young man hangs from a Christmas tree ornament on the Tree of Angels outside of Community Board # 12 on White Plains Road.

and wrote 'Jessica' on it."

The families continued to meet at the Guzman home in Soundview until 2009, when according to Rivera and Clark, Milagros Guzman moved to Florida and in 2010, the event started being held at the CVAU office at Community Board # 12, and the tradition continues.

One by one, family members would say the name of their loved one murdered before placing the ornament on the tree.

Julian Oden, Jessica Guzman, Joseph Luna, Darin Capehart, Jaryan Elliot, Luis Gonzalez, the names continued.

Sadly, one woman placed ornaments on the tree for her son murdered in 2018 and another for her daughter murdered this past February-- and sadly she was not the only one placing ornaments on the tree for two individuals.

Family members of Lameek Akins, 19, who was shot to death in

February 2013, attended this year's gathering. One family member who declined to be identified, said, "We've just begun with justice as we speak," adding that the next court date for the suspected gunman was December 14.

Asked why the case had taken so long, the family member replied, "They caught him at first, but they had to let him go.

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‘Tree of Angels’ dedicated to those killed in the Bx.

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in the house, and he did this and he did that.”

Leandra Feliz, the mother of 15 yearold Lesandro "Junior" Guzman-Feliz, who was brutally murdered on June 20, 2018, said after placing her son's ornament on the tree, "We're all going through the same pain and we miss our family and we would like to make a wish right now... that these criminals have to stop. We have to stop crime and the killing of innocent people."

Feliz believes 25 years is a slap on the wrist for the taking of a life but does not believe in the death penalty.

Awilda Vega attended for her son Leon who was murdered on Oc-

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tober 23. Vega recalled, "He was lured into a building to be robbed and he was shot in his left leg and was left to die in a hallway." She added that Leon bled to death inside a building at the Soundview Houses. Vega said that the NYPD captured the gunman, but others involved in the case had not yet been charged.

Asked about the tree lighting, Vega replied, "It's bittersweet because it gives me comfort that I have people that support me and that I'm not alone, but at the same time it's sad to see so many parents and family members suffering due to gun violence.”

Ali Acevedo-Hernandez, a family member

Family members of murder victims hang hand made ornaments on a tree as Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark greets each family.

of slain EMT Yadira Arroyo, added, "Every year we come here and this is a way for us to remember Yadira and to be with other people that are going through the same agony and the same pain that we are. And it's a reminder that we are not alone.

We have so many people here who are going through the same things as we are, so it

gives us some solace and we are also starting the Christmas and we always start with Yadira first, just to remember our loved ones that are gone, but they're still very much here in our hearts.”

Arroyo, 44, was killed in March of 2017, when a man struck her with her own ambulance after attempting to steal it.

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Health Matters

Morris Heights Health Center continues holiday tradition

By India Dansby Despite challenges brought on by the pandemic and supply chain shortages, one health center in the Bronx was able to assist hundreds of families ahead of the Christmas holiday.

On December 15th, 2021, Morris Heights Health Center partnered with Assemblywoman Yudelka Tapia, of District 86, to distribute toys to families in the Morris

Heights section of the borough. The annual event took place at the health center’s main location on 85 West Burnside Avenue from 2 pm-4 pm, where approximately 200 families participated. Families in attendance were greeted by Santa Claus, and his helpers, who welcomed them with hot chocolate and cookies.

Children anxiously waited in line to snap a photo with Santa upon receiving their gifts.

The health center’s toy giveaway was open to the public and toys were distributed on a first come first serve basis.

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Photo by Linda Morales

Lincoln Hospital welcomed its own Baby New Year as the first child born in the Bronx hospital in 2022. Mom Marina Toshua and Dad Jose Manuel Hernandez welcomed 7 pound 6 ounce baby boy Johan Manuel Hernandez Toshua. Melissa Magenta, MD and Ellie Sprunger, MD from OBS/GYN and Cheryl Simmons-Oliver, AED. Not pictured are Dr. Lorraine Toner (Attending ) and Shirley Bennett , RN.

Morris Heights Center continues holiday tradition

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“I am grateful that despite the pandemic we were still able to continue our holiday tradition that has spanned over a decade,” said President & CEO, Mari G. Millet.

“Unfortunately, many families in our community are still dealing with the impact of COVID-19 and in need of a little extra support this season. With our an-

nual holiday events we aim to assist families that may not otherwise have the means.”

In addition to the annual holiday events that MHHC organizes, the health center also partners with local community-based organizations and leaders to provide resources and support to members of the community yearround.

To learn more about the MHHC’s initiatives and view photos from this year’s event, visit www.mhhc.org/Photo-Gallery.aspx

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Culinary Road Macelleria Italian steakhouse is prime dining experience

By Morris Gut

The first Macelleria (butcher shop, when translated from Italian) opened 2 years ago in Pelham, N.Y. and the group followed with a second in the Elide Plaza Mall in Armonk, N.Y. The prestigious Michelin Restaurant Guide has since recognized Macelleria as a ‘Bib Gourmet’ establish-

ment, one of only a handful in the suburban New York area.

Then came a third.

The recent grand opening of Macelleria Italian Steakhouse in Greenwich brought prime dining to Byram, CT. Hospitality veteran, host and proprietor Tony LaLa has completed a beautiful renovation to the 200seat multi-level premises highlighted by polished wooden floors, stone fireplace, and contemporary artworks.

Tony, who had spent years at popular Nino’s Restaurant, Benjamin Steakhouse, and San Pietro in Manhattan, and a stint with Hilton Hotels, tends to the daily operation in Byram along with partners Johnny in Armonk and Bachi in Pelham.

This high-end Italian steakhouse serves classic cuts of prime beef and chops along with a hearty helping of Italian/American specialties. Seasoned

executive chef Joseph Fusco, previously chef at DiWine Restaurant in Astoria, Queens, is in in charge of the kitchen. The seasoned crew will take good care of you. Be seated in the handsomely renovated dining room and/or bustling bar/lounge and peruse the menu over a good glass of wine from their vintage list.

Begin a great meal at Macelleria with their fresh made jumbo Crab Cake appetizer served with an herbed mustard sauce, or a perky Arugula Salad, with arugula, navel orange segments, fennel, goat cheese and lemon vinaigrette.

We recently grazed on a light bouncy meal of appetizers: bright Iceberg Lettuce Wedge, delish homemade Meatballs served with a dollop of ricotta, followed by a great version of Steak Tartare served with buttered toast points.

As a main course a beautifully marbled Rib Eye Steak is a tender hit served with a flavorful brandy peppercorn sauce on the side. Crave seafood? Go for the big Diver Scallops served with asparagus, mushrooms, leeks, and a touch of truffle butter.

You might want to try the addictive home fries and garlic spinach as sides.

Portions are generous and large enough to share. For dessert try their most extraordinary house made Tiramisu.

Additional specialties to look for: Steak Tartare, slabs of Canadian Bacon, Spaghetti Carbonara, Pappardelle with Short Rib Ragu, Zuppa di Pesce, even a Classic Burger.

Carnivores should consider the Lamb Chops, Veal Chop, New York Strip Steak, Porterhouse Steak, or Tomahawk Steak for 2.

Choice of sauces.

Macelleria Italian Steakhouse, 142 Fifth Ave., Pelham. 914-365-2561 www.macerlleriaitaliansteakhouse.com Macelleria Italian Steakhouse, 111 Bedford Road, Armonk. 914-219-5728 www.macelleriaarmonk. com Macelleria Italian Steakhouse, 2 South Water St., Byram. 203-5317050 www.macelleriagreenwich.com Price range: Lunch main courses, $16$29. Dinner, main courses: $16-$29. Steaks & Chops: $30 Rib Eye to $60 Porterhouse. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner.

Bar/lounge. Private party facilities. Free parking.

Reservations suggested.

NEW MENU AT MORRIS PARK INN! There’s a new reasonably priced chef driven tavern menu being served here. While enjoying a cocktail recently, I could not help but notice a big German-style soft pretzel with side of cheese

sauce served to a nearby patron. Enough to share and tempting presentation. Tried the wings and they were delish.

Boneless or Bonein Wings; Baja Crispy Fish Tacos; Half-Pound Burgers and Sliders; Baby Back Ribs, and Panko Crusted Fish & Chips. Beers and cocktails, too. Open 7 days. Bustling bar and dining room. Happy Hours. Live entertainment nights, check ahead. Morris Park Inn, 1024 Morris Park Ave., Bronx. 718-239-4109 www.morrisparkinn. com CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR; VALENTINE’S DAY 2022!

It’s coming! February/March are months of culinary celebration!

Warms up the winter palate a bit.

Chinese Lunar New Year, the Year of the Tiger, begins on Tuesday, Feb. 1st. Monday, Feb. 14th , prepare to pucker up for Valentine’s Day. Tuesday, March 1st. marks Fat Tuesday/ Mardi Gras. They all tiein with great eating. The coupling of food and wine with the seasons is the aphrodisiac of literature and verse thru the ages. Restaurants and nightspots are gearing up to serve some of their most titillating specialties. To help you plan, we will be reporting on some of our best dining venues. Stand by…

FOLLOW CURRENT COVID PROTOCOLS AT STAY SAFE! (Morris Gut is a restaurant marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor.

He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914235-6591. Email: gutreactions@

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