Bronx Voice - July 27, 2022

BRONX VOICE

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OUTRAGE OVER PROPOSED ‘RIKER’S APTS’ 6th Year, No. 6

Photo by David Greene

FREE July 27 - August 2, 2022

Ex Cons to take up residence near special needs children, homes,med students

$3 Million drug ring around Staying cool during corner from heatwave courthouse Page 2 O

Believe it or not Jose Infante is busy working at the Wheel Alignment Center at Jerome Avenue near West 181 Street in Fordham Heights on Sunday, July 25. He just found a way to beat the heat in the Bronx during record temperatures.

Photo by David Greene

$3 Million drug ring run around corner from criminal courthouse

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2• BRONX VOICE• July 27 - August 2, 2022

Three million dollars worth of drugs as well as a box full of cash were recovered when officials raided an apartment around the corner from the Bronx Criminal Courthouse, New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor announced during a press conference with law enforcement officials.

A Bronx man was indicted as a major trafficker following an investigation that uncovered a large-scale drug stash house at 910 Sheridan Avenue. The residential apartment building is around the corner from the Bronx Family-Criminal Courthouse.

Over $3 million dollars in drugs, including more than 40 pounds of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, and approximately 1,000 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, were seized along with two guns and over $320,000 cash.

The indictment, filed by the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor (SNP), contains charges of Operating as

a Major Trafficker, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First, Second, and Third Degrees, and Criminal Possession of a Firearm.

Dujuan Soto was arrested on March 29, 2022, following a short-term investigation by DEA New Jersey Division, Enforcement Group 2, and the New York City Police Department’s (NYPD) Narcotics Borough Queens North.

On the day of the arrest, agents and officers were conducting surveillance outside 910 Sheridan Avenue and observed Soto leave the building at approximately 9:45 a.m. carrying a blue bag that appeared to contain a rectan-

gular object. Agents and officers stopped Soto after he entered a silver Jeep Grand Cherokee parked in front of 190 East 162nd Street. They obtained court-authorization to search the vehicle and Soto’s residence at 910 Sheridan Avenue, Apt. K. At approximately 3:25 p.m. on that day agents and officers searched the Jeep and discovered the blue bag held a U.S. Postal Service package with approximately $216,500 in alleged drug proceeds inside. A dollar figure was written on the box.

During a search of SOTO’s residence, agents and officers recovered over eight kilograms of fentanyl (approximately 18 pounds) and over

three kilograms of cocaine (nearly 8 pounds) from inside a locked closet in Soto’s bedroom. Some of the narcotics were imprinted with a Mercedes symbol.

The closet also contained approximately 15 pounds of methamphetamine packaged inside freezer bags and over 1,000 counterfeit oxycodone and alprazolam pills alleged to contain fentanyl, as well as multiple twists containing fentanyl and cocaine.

Underneath Soto’s bed, agents and officers recovered two loaded 9mm pistols with additional ammunition. Agents and officers also seized over $107,100 cash, a money counter, digital scales, a vacuum sealer

and two kilo presses used in packaging narcotics from the apartment.

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan thanked Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and commended the work of SNP’s Special Investigations Bureau, DEA New Jersey Division and the NYPD’s Narcotics Borough Queens North.

“The volume and variety of drugs, and the hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and two firearms recovered, signals that this was a fully operational illegal drug packaging and distribution center. It is hard to imagine a more audacious location CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

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BRONX VOICE• July 27 - August 2, 2022• 3

4 • BRONX VOICE• July 27 - August 2, 2022

Bx residents up in arms over ‘Rikers Apartments’ at Jacobi

By David Greene Hundreds of residents of Indian Village, Morris Park and Van Nest turned out for a public meeting as they jammed a ballroom at Maestro's Caterers on Bronxdale Avenue, to voice their displeasure on a proposal to open an assisted living apartment complex for recently released inmates from Rikers Island. The proposal will be built in the heart of a homeowner community and within spitting distance of a facility that provides therapies for young special needs children.

The building in question, located at 1900 Seminole Avenue, is currently going under an extensive renovation and was the former staff house and financial center for the hospital that was last

used last year when it was used to provide the COVID vaccine to residents. The proposal comes under the Health and Hospital's 'Corrections Health Initiative." According to their website, "To facili-

tate a smooth transition for individuals returning home from prison.”

Opponents of the plan claim that 60% of residents would be homeless inmates recently released from Rikers Island and an additional 40% of the building's population would be for low income. Those against the plan also claim that sex offenders as well as those with mental illness would be housed in the quiet Indian Village community.

During the meeting, held on July 19, Al D'Angelo, president of the Morris Park Community Association told the crowd, "People are going to say we don't care about people, that's not true. We care about our communi-

Photo by David Greene

A standing room only crowd turned out to voice their displeasure of an assisted-living complex that would house formerly incarcerated individuals from Rikers Island.

ty, we care about the people who live in our community.”

D'Angelo stated that he had visited three group homes in the area and claimed that he couldn't find one resident of the Bronx.

D'Angelo continued, "This experiment, and that's what it is, it's a social experiment that hasn't been done anywhere else, when I asked the question, where else was this done, the answer was nowhere. So let's dump on the Bronx again.”

Ellie Epstein, the director of family transition services at New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation began by attempting to tell the crowd that a "select group of mentally frail New Yorkers who have recently been released," Epstein was quickly drowned out by angry hecklers.

Epstein said the project would provide 1,500 units of supportive housing at Jacobi Hospital's Building 2, she continued, "The Jacobi Building 2 site was selected after a really careful review of all of the available Health and Hospital's..."

Epstein was again drowned out by angry hecklers. Epstein informed the crowd that on June 30, the City's Housing Preservation and Development designated Fortune Society as the non-profit de CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

BRONX VOICE• July 27 - August 2, 2022• 5

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Teacher in Throggs Neck school sentenced in rape of teen student

A teacher in a Bronx school was sentenced to three years in prison for the rape of a 13-year-old student, prosecutors said.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a Bronx teacher has been sentenced to three years in prison and 10 years post re-

lease supervision for raping and sexually assaulting a 13-yearold girl who was one of his students.

“The defendant used his position of power

to engage in a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old girl,” Clark said. “His assaults on the victim led to life- altering trauma.”

The defendant, Jonathan Pol, 31, of Wingdale, NY was sentenced by Bronx Criminal Court Judge

Laurence Busching to three years in prison and 10 years post release supervision, and he must register as a sex offender.

He pleaded guilty on May 17, 2022 to second-degree Rape.

According to the investigation, between December 1, 2018 to

April 18th, 2019, Pol, who was an English teacher at Mott Hall Community School in the Throgs Neck section of the Bronx, engaged in a sexual relationship with the victim. He also engaged in inappropriate text messages with her.

6 • BRONX VOICE• July 27 - August 2, 2022

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Outrage over ‘Rikers Apartments’ at Jacobi CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

veloper of the site.

About 50 residents of Indian Village turned up for another rally outside the site on Seminole Avenue on July 24, organized by Estrada.

"Renata" a Morris Park resident told the Bronx Voice, "I heard about this on Facebook. They were saying that they were going to build it over here and then I found out that this has been in the works since November and they had notified us this summer." She added, "It was a

complete surprise."

Meanwhile "Tommy" a resident of Indian Village, added, "My family has been in this neighborhood for four generations and they're going to destroy it if they put this in here. That house across the street sold for $900,000, what's it going to be worth?”

The Health and Hospitals Corporation released the following statement, "NYC Health + Hospitals has long recognized that stable, affordable housing is critical to the health and well-being

of every New Yorker. We are excited to help provide some of the most medically fragile patients the opportunity to receive dignified housing and high quality services on the NYC Health + Hospitals / Jacobi campus through the Just Home project.”

Indian Village, which sits just outside the grounds of Jacobi, is composed of one and two-family homes. For decades many doctors had homes in the area. And the late State Senator Guy Velella lived directly across from

the proposed site.

On the grounds of the Jacobi campus, a short walk from the proposed ex-con housing, is Einstein Medical school

and the Rose F. Kennedy Children's Evaluation & Rehabilitation Center which houses a host of therapies for special needs children.

Photo by David Greene

Residents of Indian Village protest outside of Jacobi Hospitals Building 2 on July 23.

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BRONX VOICE• July 27 - August 2, 2022• 7

$3 Million drug ring run around corner from Criminal Courthouse CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

than a building adjacent to the Bronx Family-Criminal Courthouse to set up a storehouse for deadly drugs like fentanyl, methamphetamine and the counterfeit pills that are saturating the black market in our city,” said Special Narcotics Prosecutor Brennan.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said, “We are grateful to have such great law enforcement partners with Special Narcotics Pros-

ecutor Bridget Brennan, the NYPD and DEA, to continue to stem the tide of deadly drugs coming into our city.

Fentanyl and methamphetamine are particularly destructive to lives and communities. This is one more effort to try to save our communities from the ravages of these drugs.”

“Many lives were saved as the result of this significant drug seizure when you consider that only two milligrams of fentanyl has the

potential to cause a fatal overdose or poisoning,” said Special Agent in Charge Gibson. “The criminals involved in trafficking these drugs are only concerned with their own financial gain, and they do not consider the pain and misery associated with what they are doing. The DEA and our law enforcement partners are committed to pursuing these individuals to bring them to justice.”

“The NYPD and our law enforcement partners have

shut down another major drug-trafficking operation in New York City,” NYPD Commissioner Sewell stated. “By dismantling such violent enterprises, and by holding accountable anyone who pushes poison on our streets, our highly skilled investigators are making all of our neighborhoods safer. I commend everyone involved from the NYPD’s Narcotics Borough Queens North, the DEA’s New Jersey Division, the Office of the Special Nar-

cotics Prosecutor for the City of New York, and the Bronx District Attorney’s Office for their collaboration and hard work throughout this important case.”

Soto, 56, was charged with Operating as a Major Trafficker, CPCS1st–1ct CPCS2nd–1ct, CPCS 3rd – 2 cts, Criminal Possession of a Firearm – 2 cts.

The charges and allegations are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

8 • BRONX VOICE• July 27 - August 2, 2022

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Bronx Bonnie and Clyde rob at gunpoint across street from police station

At around 11:15 am on

By Bob Kappstatter Cops are searching for a brazen Bronx Bonnie June 15, a 21-year-old man and Clyde who robbed a man at gunpoint across the was robbed at gunpoint inside the JP Mitchell Houses street from a police station in broad daylight.

at 302 East 138th Street. Investigators said the victim was approached by a man and woman who displayed a gun and demanded cash. The victim handed over $160 and his cellphone.

The robbers fled on foot.

The robbery was particularly brazen in broad daylight considering the location is across the street from the daily line of hundreds of residents outside St. Jerome Church seeking food from the pantry.

Directly across the street from the crime is the 40th Precinct station house.

The NYPD released surveil-

lance video of the female robber taken from inside a grocery store. She is described as 5 foot 5 and 160 pounds. She has a tattoo on her forearm with the word “Stylez.”

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.

‘Date app rapist’ charged with attacking 3 women

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BRONX VOICE• July 27 - August 2, 2022• 9

A Bronx man has been charged with sexually assaulting three women- two of whom he met on a dating app, prosecutors said.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said the defendant, Kemoy Royal, 32, was arraigned on Predatory Sexual Assault, three counts of first-degree Rape, Attempted Criminal Sexual Act in the first degree, four counts of first-degree Criminal Sexual Act, nine counts of first-degree Sexual Abuse, third-degree Rape, two counts of third-degree Criminal Sexual Act, and second-degree Strangulation, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. Bail was set at $300,000 cash/$500,000 bond/ $500,000 partially secured bond and the defendant is due back in court on October 11, 2022.

“The defendant is charged in a 23-count indictment with allegedly raping two women and sexually assaulting another during three separate incidents. He allegedly strangled two of the victims,”Clark said. “In one of the incidents, a woman was rescued by police after she sent a message to a restaurant on a food-delivery app. We will seek justice for the victims.”

According to the investigation, at approximately 7:00 p.m. on June 14, 2022, the defendant met the second victim, a 26-year-old woman, on the street claiming he knew her through a friend. The defendant allegedly lured her to his apartment, refused to let her leave and threatened to kill her. Royal allegedly attempted to force her to perform sexual acts on him. He also allegedly bit her in the chest area and strangled her. The defendant let the victim ago at approximately 2:00 a.m. on June 15, 2022.

On June 18, 2022, the third victim, a 24-year-old woman, met with the defendant after talking on a dating app with him for a few months.

At approximately 10:30 p.m., he and the victim arrived at his home where he allegedly refused to let her leave and threatened to kill her.

Royal allegedly strangled the victim and raped her throughout the night, including once at knifepoint. He also allegedly forced her to perform sexual acts on him, and he also performed sexual acts on her without her consent.

Kemoy Royal has been charged with raping two women and sexually assaulting a third.

The defendant allegedly took the victim’s cellphone away when she tried to call police but returned it to her at dawn on June 19, 2022 after she asked to order food.

The victim went on a food-delivery app and left a message to a restaurant in Yonkers asking them to call the police and to send them to Royal’s home. The establishment alerted the police, who then responded to the defendant’s home, rescued the victim, and arrested the defendant.

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

10 • BRONX VOICE• July 27 - August 2, 2022

Health Matters

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Jacobi and North Central Bronx honored for stroke, heart failure treatments

NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi and North Central Bronx CEO Christopher Mastromano announced that both hospitals have received gold awards from the American Heart Association (AHA) for their treatment of heart failure. Additionally, Jacobi received an award for its treatment of stroke conditions.

The Heart Failure Quality Achievement Award honors healthcare facilities for their commitment to improving outcomes for patients with heart failure, which means reduced readmissions and more healthy days at home.

Additionally, the Stroke Quality Achievement Award recognizes noteworthy patient care institutions for their commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines. Such stroke care ultimately leads to more lives saved and reduced disability.

Both awards are quality achievement honors that are earned by hospitals demonstrating a commitment to treating patients according to the most up-to-date guidelines as outlined by the AHA and by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care.

“Heart Failure is a serious long-term condition that requires extensive follow-up and coordination of care between patients and their providers,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi’s Director of Cardiology Seth Sokol, MD. “Thanks to advances

(Left to Right) Dr. Matthew Langston, Marguerite Tirelli RN, Salwa Paige RN, Richardeana Theodore RN, Erwin Ceniza RN, Geda Peters-Joseph RN, Maureen McGee RN, Geretha Diamond RN, Dr. Joshua Moskowitz, holding the “Get With The Guidelines” Award from the American Heart Association.

in medical care, long term patient outcomes have improved. This AHA designation shows that we at Jacobi are providing the highest level of quality care available in treating heart failure and helping our patients live their healthiest lives.”

“For many years, our multidisciplinary teams have operated a state-of-the-art

stroke center at Jacobi,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/ Jacobi’s Stroke Center Director, Lenore Ocava,. “Patients can expect not only optimal care but that their doctors and nurses have excelled at the rigorous guidelines set forth by the AHA.” “I commend both our Cardiac and Stroke teams on achieving and maintaining

these important distinctions,” said Mr. Mastromano. “When patients enter our doors, they deserve to know they are receiving first-rate care. These independent designations demonstrate we are providing the care our patients need.”

Patients in need of cardiovascular or stroke care may call (718)-918-5000 to make an appointment.”

Simple tips for beating the heat and keeping our loved ones, neighbors safe

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BRONX VOICE• July 27 - August 2, 2022• 11

By Chandra Wilson Across the country, Americans are experiencing record heat waves. In fact, what was once seen as extraordinary weather is becoming the new normal. Whatever the reason, as prolonged heat waves become more common, it’s important to have plans and tools in place for beating the heat.

Adults 65 years and older and people with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable to hot weather, even over short periods of time. As people age, their ability to retain water and adapt quickly to temperature changes decreases, which means higher temperatures are more likely to put seniors at risk.

With that in mind, here are a few tried-and-true tips recommended by experts like the New York City Department of Emergency Management and others, to help you and your loved ones stay safe during the summer.

• Water, water everywhere! Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to keep your temperature regulated. Not all liquids are equal, however, as some beverages containing caffeine, like tea, soda or coffee, can dehydrate you further.

Experts recommend aiming for 6 to 8 glasses of water a day— but that doesn’t mean you have to spend all day attached to a

water bottle!

There are also lots of foods that contain high amounts of water and can help stave off dehydration, such as fruits, vegetables, Jello, and ice pops. During hot weather, a natural response for some is to feel less hungry, but it is important to keep up an appetite. Look for foods with high-water content or dishes that can be served cold to keep you hydrated and prevent overheating.

• Cool down: While taking a cool shower or bath is a surefire way to bring down your body temperature, it can be challenging to do this multiple times a day, especially for those with mobility issues. Simply keeping a cool damp cloth nearby or putting your feet in a bowl of cold or iced water is a simple way to lower body temperature quickly. Another tip to keep in mind is that metal items, from walkers and canes to city benches, warm up especially quickly in hot weather.

• Seek out cool places. In New York City, the tall buildings, pavement, and lack of tree cover can make the weather feel even hotter than it is, and in many homes, air conditioning or fans may not be able to cool down the whole home. If a loved one has trouble keeping their home cool, the city offers a list of cooling centers during heat advisories where people can go if they need to move somewhere more comfortable on hot days. These include libraries, senior centers and other locations. In case of emergency, you should also be sure you have a plan in place for a loved one to get to a police or fire sta-

tion, hospital, or pharmacy.

Areas that have more tree cover tend to be cooler as well, so if you or a loved one do need to go out in the heat, try and plan routes that stick to shade and tree cover. The same is true of areas near water, if you’re able to relocate to a spot by a lake or ocean.

• Take a siesta! There’s a reason why many cultures around the world take a break in the midday, since the hottest hours of the day tend to be between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. While some tasks are unavoidable, try to schedule outings or prolonged journeys for early in the morning or late in the day. In addition, it can be helpful

to avoid cooking or excessive exercise during these midday hours.

When going outside at times of peak temperature, be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and loose, light-colored clothing to further stave off the heat.

While rising temperatures are bound to happen, you can ease your worries by having plans and remedies in place to preemptively beat the heat. Particularly when it comes to protecting the most vulnerable in the community, proactive planning is the surest way to keep our family, loved ones and neighbors safe.

For more information about VNS Health and available services go to vnshealth.org.

12 • BRONX VOICE• July 27 - August 2, 2022

Together let us celebrate National Multiethnic Organ/Tissue Donor Awareness Month

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By Leonides Trevino, Clinical Manager, Office of Organ and Tissue Donation Services, Montefiore Health System Throughout August Montefiore Health System will observe National Multiethnic Organ/Tissue Awareness Month with several educational events, to raise awareness among our Multiethnic communities of the Bronx of the critical need for organ and tissue donation.

All month long, we will spotlight this initiative with the goal to save and improve the quality of life for diverse communities of the Bronx by creating a positive culture surrounding organ, eye and tissue donation.

Did you know two out of every three New Yorkers waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant are from ethnically diverse populations?

Yet, so far in 2022, on

19.5% of donors are Black, 23% are Hispanic, and 4.7% are Asian.

National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month is an opportunity to commend the Bronx organ and tissue donor residents and families for their generosity in saving lives through donation. If you would like to make a difference- and save and improve lives- stop by one of our tabling

events to sign up for the NYS Donate life registry. * August 3, 2022, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at The Mall at Bay Plaza 200 Baychester Avenue, Bronx, NY * August 10, 2022, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Montefiore Medical Group Bronx East 2300 Westchester Ave-

nue, Bronx, NY * August 23, 2022, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Montefiore Moses Campus, West Garden 111 East 210th Street, Bronx, NY * August 24, 2022, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Montefiore Mount Vernon Campus, Hospital Main Lobby 12 North 7th Avenue,

Mount Vernon, NY * August 31, 2022, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Fordham Plaza East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY (between 3rd and Webster Avenues) For more information or to volunteer, contact me at 929285-4331 or ltrevino@montefiore.org

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BRONX VOICE• July 27 - August 2, 2022• 13

180 weapons seized from gun runners

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14 • BRONX VOICE• July 27 - August 2, 2022

Prosecutors announced the crackdown of a gun running ring in which 180 weapons and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were seized in a 1,600 count indictment operating out of Queens and the Bronx.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, joined by New York City Police Commissioner Keechant L.Sewell, announced a 1,611-count indictment and the arrests of five individuals allegedly involved in a gun trafficking ring using the notorious Iron Pipeline to smuggle guns purchased in Knoxville, Tennessee, which were then sold illegally in Queens County. Law enforcement officials removed more than 180 illegal weapons from our neighborhoods, along with 136 high-capacity magazines and hundreds of rounds of ammunition during the course of an 11-monthlong investigation, titled Operation Hotcakes.

“Illegal gun traffickers who flood our neighborhoods with dangerous firearms put every resident of our borough at grave risk,” said District Attorney Katz said. “We have seen far too many instances of guns, purchased down South and trafficked into New York, that are then recovered at devastating crime scenes, leaving bloodshed and tragedy on our streets.

“Cutting off the notorious Iron Pipeline supply chain of these deadly weapons is a top priority for my administration. I want to thank the NYPD’s Firearms Investigation Unit for working closely with my Office’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau in bringing these defendants to justice. We will continue our efforts against the proliferation of gun violence in this borough,” Katz said.

The District Attorney identified

the defendants as Anthony “Tony” Sanford, 57, of Jamaica, Queens; Oliver Sanford, 40, of Springfield Gardens, Queens; Jonathan Harris, 28, of Starling Avenue, the Bronx; Thomas Parsley, 44, of Mickle Avenue, the Bronx; and Richard “Rick” Horne, 70, of Blountville, TN. The defendants were variously indicted by a Queens County grand jury on July 19, 2022 on charges of criminal sale of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon and conspiracy.

The indictments allege that the ring operated with Jonathan Harris as the main dealer, Richard Horne as the main supplier and Anthony Sanford, his nephew Oliver Sanford, and Thomas Parsley acting as the principal re-sellers and distributors of the weapons sold across Queens and Bronx Counties.

Katz said the investigation began in two separate parts: Following prior intelligence gathered during the summer of 2021, defendant Anthony Sanford sold five handguns as well as .357 and .40 caliber ammunition to an undercover police officer in August and October 2021 in Queens. Sanford’s nephew, Oliver, was observed conducting counter surveillance during both transactions.

According to the charges, a total of 22 buys were allegedly completed between the undercover officer and defendant Anthony Sanford between August 2021 and April 2022 in and around Jamaica and Springfield Gardens, yielding 145 firearms and 99 high-capacity am-

munition feeding devices.

An unrelated investigation, initiated in November 2021, revealed the workings of an arms dealer selling guns on the streets of the Bronx, later identified as defendant Jonathan Harris.

NYPD detectives were able to link Harris to the Sanfords, demonstrating a larger illegal gun operation spanning the two boroughs.

As part of the conspiracy, DA Katz said, the Sanfords were allegedly observed by law enforcement officials as having communicated with defendant Harris on a regular basis in regard to smuggled weapons available for sale.

In January 2022, the Court authorized electronic surveillance of defendants Anthony Sanford, Oliver Sandford, and Harris, which showed numerous trips taken by Harris to the Knoxville, Tennessee area, especially during gun shows taking place in the area. Additional surveillance was authorized by the Court in March 2022 that uncovered defendant Harris allegedly traveling to the Knoxville area, specifically for the purpose of meeting with a gun supplier, later identified as defendant Richard Horne, a Tennessee resident. Subsequent intercepted calls between Harris and Horne revealed overt discussions of makes, models, and prices of the firearms Harris would allegedly purchase.

Katz said, laws regulating the sale and possession of firearms in Tennessee are much more lenient than New York and other states, deferring to federal law when regulating firearms dealers and private vendors.

Federal law prohibits persons from engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license and requires that sellers run a National Crime Information Center background check on purchasers. According to the charges,

QUEENS DA MELINDA KATZ reviews illegal firearms seized during an 11-month-long investigation, with NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell and First Deputy Commissioner Edward Caban. defendant Horne intentionally failed to abide by such regulations under the guise of a “private vendor,” while dealing in a large quantity of firearms he knew would be smuggled to New York.

On April 23, 2022, Horne was recorded warning Harris about federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) monitoring a gun show during which they were planning to meet.

Continuing, DA Katz said, upon completing the transactions in Tennessee, defendant Harris allegedly would contact defendant Oliver and his other customer, defendant Thomas Parsley, to arrange the delivery of the guns to both men in Queens and the Bronx.

According to the charges, using investigative tools, NYPD detectives carried out a vehicle stop on defen-

dant Parsley in Queens following a scheduled pick-up from Harris in the Bronx on March 31, 2022. The vehicle stop resulted in the recovery of two shopping bags each containing four loaded pistols in individual gun cases. Officers subsequently conducted an arrest of defendant Harris upon his return home from Tennessee on April 30, 2022. The arrest resulted in the recovery of 23 firearms from a plastic tote storage in the trunk of the defendant’s vehicle as well as another six guns from two bags also located in the trunk.

On July 20, 2022, law enforcement officials arrested defendant Horne with assistance from the ATF Field Office and the United States Attorney for the District of Tennessee.

Criminal complaints and indictments are accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Culinary Road

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BRONX VOICE• July 27 - August 2, 2022• 15

By Morris Gut

Tasty traditional, contemporary dishes at Maria

Two-time winners of Michelin’s prestigious ‘Bib Gourmet’ Award, brothers Peter and Giovanni Cucullo have been drawing patronage from all around for their flavorful riff on Italian/global cooking.

Enjoy Maria’s Happy Hours from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. when they offer specially priced beverages and small plates loaded with flavor. I am hooked on such eclectic dishes as: Glazed Pork Ribs, Truffled Green Beans, Grilled Sausage with sweet & spicy Peruvian peppers, Mom’s Meatballs, Cauliflower Fritters, and Roasted Shishito Peppers. Special mention must go to their tender baby Lamb Chops and old-fashioned Baked Rigatoni.

The family also operates bustling Fratelli’s Pizza and Pops Café & Bakery next door. Maria, 11 Huguenot St., New Rochelle. 914636-0006 www.marianewrochelle. com NEW MENU AND HOURS AT WOLF & WARRIOR! Owner/Brewmeister Michael Chiltern brought White Plains its first microbrewery 3 years ago and it’s a good one. He has updated his hours and is now serving his brews and a new menu all afternoon and evening from noon, Tuesday thru Sunday. The open-air backyard has been expanded with extra seating.

You’re in good hands on the floor with Christa and the crew. A daily selection of brews is listed on a big colorful blackboard. Comforting new specialties coming out of Chef Melvin’s kitchen include: Birria Tacos, Blazin’ Wings, Hand Cut Free Range Chicken Tenders, a variety of Brew House Burgers,

and Slammin’ Sandwiches like the South Paw Philly Cheesesteak. Enjoyed my Passion Wolf IPA there recently. Wolf & Warrior Brewing, 195A E. Post Road, White Plains.

914-368-8617 www.wolfandwarrior.com LENO’S CLAM BAR (‘GREASY NICK’S’) STILL AT IT IN NEW ROCHELLE! Road foodies may remember Leno’s Clam Bar, also known as ‘Greasy Nick’s’, along Pelham Road (Shore Road) in New Rochelle, just minutes from the Bronx line and Orchard Beach. It’s just down the road from lovely Glen Island Park.

I started going to Leno’s generations ago for their burgers, steamers, fried clams, grilled hotdogs, and corn on the cob swimming in butter. It’s a wonderful no-frills experience. It has not changed much, now in its 3rd generation.

The owning family is related to comedian Jay Leno who lived in New Rochelle early in his career.

Load up the metal table with their famous cheeseburgers with sautéed onions (a must!) and fries; butter dripping corn on the cob; fried clams with tartar sauce, hot dogs, and cheese dogs. Thank goodness for all those napkins. You get your own beverages inside, and it’s still on the honor system, believe it or not. Table service is very friendly and laid back. The first couple of

bites bring back memories galore!

Greasy Nick’s fans from all over on cycles and Teslas keep arriving from every direction. Leno’s Clam Bar is at 755 Pelham Road, New Rochelle. Open daily during the season. Indoor and outdoor seating. Phone: 914-636-9869.

SHARE A PIZZA AT PELHAM PIZZERIA! You can debate about your favorite pizza joints: Louie & Ernie’s, Bronx; Sal’s, Mamaroneck; Johnny’s, Mt. Vernon; Cole’s, Bronxville; even Frank Pepe’s in New Haven. I submit, Pelham Pizzeria is right up the with the best of them! One of the most popular pizza shops in the area, Pelham Pizzeria & Ristorante, has been operating over 40 years with a classic Italian-American menu and firstrate pizza specialties. The display case beckons with its fresh baked pizzas by the slice: Sausage Pie with the house signature lumps of tasty sausage; Spicy Crush Slice; Spinach Pie, White Pizza, and Chicken Cutlet Pie. Many of the classic Italian-American red-sauce favorites are here: Veal, Chicken, Shrimp or Eggplant Parmigiana; Homemade Lasagna; Baked Manicotti; Veal or Chicken Francese; Shrimp Scampi; Veal Marsala; and hearty Grilled Chicken with Broccoli Rabe and Potatoes. Portions are very generous. Pelham Pizzeria, 113 Fifth Ave., Pelham. 914738-7554 www.pelhampizzeria. com WINGS FLY AT TUCK’D AWAY! Michael Cuozzo operates a friendly tavern on Yonkers Ave., Tuckahoe, that offers delightful comfort foods and reasonably priced Happy Hours. Specialties include Pretzel Bites with choice of dipping sauce; Fried Pick-

les with horseradish remoulade; house made Turkey Chili; Pork Wontons served with soy sauce or Thai chili; a Slider Trio; and Baked Macaroni and Cheese, with Asiago, Cheddar, Gruyere, Fontina, panko bread crumbs. Tuck’d Away Wings fly out of the kitchen here in a variety of styles: Buffalo-style, BBQ, spicy peanut, Thai chili, Tequila lime, teriyaki, honey chipolte, sweet jerk, garlic parmesan, or plain fried. Happy hours: Monday thru Friday, 3-6 p.m. Saturdays to 5 p.m. Tuck’d Away Bar and Grill, 90 Yonkers Ave., Tuckahoe. Phone: 914-222-9162. www. tuckedaway90.com MORRIS PARK INN BRONX OPENS IN THORNWOOD! The kitchen has opened at the new Morris Park Inn in Thornwood in the Rose Hill Shopping Center. Proprietor Steve Poli and his amiable crew are serving an eclectic tavern menu to go along with their craft beer and spirits bar. Poli, who also owns bustling Morris Park Inn in the Bronx, has completed a renovation of the new eatery. As you enter, you notice the

long 15-tap beer bar enhanced by large screen TVs, stressed brick walls, artsy tables, and an unusual treetop like ceiling overhead with contemporary lighting. The kitchen is manned by Chef Eric who had previously put his talents to work at Rye Roadhouse in Rye. There’s Chopped Cobb Salad, hefty Burgers, wraps and sandwiches like the Cheese Steak, Mussels with Spaghetti, Baby Back Ribs, Fried Seafood Combo, and Center Cut Pork Chops. Big juicy Burgers come with choice of toppings. A children’s menu is available. Save room for such desserts as Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake or ask Chef Eric if he has prepared his popular Meatloaf or Bread Pudding. Live entertainment. Morris Park Inn, 1024 Morris Park Ave., Bronx. 718-239-4109. Morris Park Inn, 652 Columbus Ave., Thornwood, in the Rose Hill Shopping Center. 914-495-3004 www. morrisparkinn.com

(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. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)

16 • BRONX VOICE• July 27 - August 2, 2022

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