Two men have been charged in separate indictments for stealing from elderly people, highlighting economic abuse of seniors who put their trust – and life savings – in the hands of fraudsters, District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced.
One indictment charges a disbarred Bronx attorney for stealing from the living and the dead—in a real estate fraud scheme and from estates that left funds to charities.
Clark said, “The defendant allegedly ingratiated himself with mostly elderly clients in Riverdale, gaining power of attorney or becoming executor of their wills, and took profits from selling their homes or kept money that was left to charities. His alleged actions led to unsurmountable financial harm, as well as stress for people of advanced age. It is elderly abuse.”
District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Paul Frieary, 69, of Shendaken, NY, who had a law office on Riverdale Avenue, is charged with second-degree Grand Larceny, third-degree Grand Larceny, fourth-degree Grand-Larceny, fourth-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, first-degree Scheme to Defraud, and second-degree Scheme to Defraud. Frieary was arraigned June 1, 2023,
before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. The defendant was placed on supervised release and is due back in court on August 23, 2023.
According to the investigation, between July 2014 to January 2021 the defendant took thousands of dollars from victims in retainer fees to represent them in their real estate closing, and allegedly never dispersed money to clients when he received money from buyers.
Frieary was disbarred from the practice of law in October of 2020 following the Attorney Grievance Committee’s investigation into predatory practices by him while acting as an attorney on behalf of multiple interested parties to various land sale contracts and probate petitions.
In one incident, Frieary represented buyers of a home owned by a couple in their 90s. He allegedly gave them some $329,000 but kept more than $277,000. They passed away after trying for years to no avail to get the rest of the money owed to them.
In another incident, an elderly woman, whose husband predeceased her and who had no family in the U.S., hired Frieary and gave him full power of attorney and made him the executor of her estate. In her will, she left $350,000 to seven charities including the Bowery Mission, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, Food Bank for New York City, and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. In 2014 she passed away, and the charities listed confirmed that there were never any donations given by the woman’s estate, Paul Frieary, nor any of his companies.
In the second case, the defendant nearly depleted a 95-year-old woman’s savings by alleged check fraud.
Clark said, “A 95-year old woman who does not speak English entrusted her check-
book to someone. Allegedly, the checks wound up in the hands of the defendant, who cashed over $120,000 worth of checks. The victim bravely testified to the grand jury. It’s a cautionary tale for everyone, particularly seniors, that no one should give their account information to anyone unless they have made sure the person is trustworthy.”
District Attorney Clark said Rudolf Drauch, 60, of West Babylon, NY, is charged with second-degree Grand Larceny, third-degree Grand Larceny, fourth-degree Grand Larceny, second-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, third-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, fourth-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, first-degree Offering a False Instrument for Filing, fourth-degree Criminal Tax Fraud, and fifth-degree Criminal Tax Fraud. He was arraigned on
June 13, 2023 before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. He is due back in court on September 28, 2023.
According to the investigation, between February and August 2022, the victim, a 95-year-old Bronx woman who does not speak English, gave blank checks to someone to pay bills for her. While she was temporarily in a nursing home, the defendant allegedly cashed 72 of them totaling $120,263. The defendant allegedly withdrew almost all the victim’s savings. The victim’s nephew, who grew suspicious over his aunt’s finances, contacted the Bronx DA’s Office in 2022 and a joint investigation with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance uncovered the check fraud and failure to report the income on tax returns.
An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.
By Dan Gesslein
Don’t let the bear hoodie fool you. Cops say a man decked out in a light blue sweatshirt with a teddy bear on the chest is wanted for a violent stickup across the street from Yankee Stadium.
Police released surveillance video of the suspect who is wanted for armed robbery. The man is seen on video wearing a light blue hoodie with a graphic of a teddy bear on the front. He also wore matching light blue sneakers. At around 3:20 am on May 6, a 50-yearold man was standing in front of the entrance to the Yankee Stadium subway station at River Avenue and East 161 Street, across from the House that Jeter Built. A man in the bear hoodie walked up to him and pointed a gun, cops said. The gunman then removed the victim’s wallet. The suspect was last seen heading on foot westbound on East 161st Street.
Cops said the victim was not injured in the robbery. The suspect is described as a man who is around 30 years of age. He is 6 feet tall with a medium build. He was last seen wearing a light blue hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and white and blue sneakers.
Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800577-TIPS (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.
A Yonkers man celebrating Puerto Rican pride hours after the annual parade in Manhattan-- was shot and killed after a dispute over a minor fender-bender led to gunfire.
According to police, officers from the 42nd Precinct were called to the front of a two-story garage at 1787 West Farms Road, at 9:15 p.m. on June 11, for a report of "multiple people shot." According to one police official, "Upon arrival officers observed a 34-year-old male with a gunshot to the torso.”
Two additional victims, both 29 years-old were also wounded, one shot in the chest and the other in the buttocks, both men were transported to St. Barnabas Hospital in a civilian vehicle and were expected to survive.
Officials say the 34-yearold victim was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital and died a short time later. Police later identified the victim as Yonkers, N.Y. resident Jeremy Cancel, 34.
On June 21, police announced the arrest of Javier Munoz, 29, of Virgil Place
in the Castle Hill section of the Bronx. Munoz was charged with murder, manslaughter and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon.
On June 21, police also arrested Joshua Rivera, 22, of Kingston Place in Queens, NY, who was charged with murder, manslaughter, and criminal possession of a weapon.
Published reports stated that a minor fender-bender on the Hutchinson River Parkway earlier in the day led to the confrontation between two groups that led to the shooting.
One close friend of Cancel, whose nickname was "Big Red" said, "He was always happy and funny and he didn't get into trouble. He was supposed to be there to see his kids grow big and beautiful and to see his wife smiling."
The friend added, "I hate that she lost her soulmate.”
The gathering at West Farms Road and East 174 Street across from Starlight Park was apparently a regular meeting spot for Cancel's group of friends. The close friend
noted that all three men who were shot were all friends and concluded, "He was having fun like everybody else.”
A second friend Al Rivera posted to social
media, "Brother Red I wish you find your peace and your ultimate joy.”
Cancel leaves behind his fiancée and two young children.
Cops are looking for a robbery crew dressed in red who are accused of sticking up a Bronx deliveryman at gunpoint and stealing his scooter.
Police released surveillance video of the suspects who are seen wearing various red outfits.
At around 7 pm on June 14, a 30-year-old deliveryman drove his motorized scooter to an apartment building in the Highbridge section of the Bronx. When the deliveryman pulled up in front of 1375 Nelson Avenue, he was approached by four men - three of whom were dressed in red.
Cops said one of the men pulled
out a handgun and threatened the deliveryman. They forced the food service worker to hand over $100 in cash and to get off his motorized scooter, investigators said.
Then one of the robbers mounted the dark colored stolen scooter and joined the rest of the crew as they fled southbound down Nelson Avenue, police said.
The victim was not injured during the armed robbery.
The first suspect is the only one who was not seen wearing red. He is a male with a dark complexion who is 5 foot 8 to 6 feet tall. He was last seen wearing a black hooded jacket, ripped jeans, and black and white sneakers.
The second suspect is described as a male with a dark complexion who is 6 foot tall with a slim build. He was last seen wearing a black baseball cap, a red jacket with a white t-shirt underneath, blue jeans, and black and white sneakers.
The third suspect is described as a male with a dark complexion
who is 5 foot 8 with a slim build. He was last seen wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and red shorts.
The final suspect is described as a male with a light complexion who is 5 foot 8 with a heavy build. He was last seen wearing a surgical mask, white t-shirt, red sweatpants, and black and gray sneakers.
Anyone with information in
regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (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.
By Mayor Eric Adams
In New York City, our streets aren’t just streets. They are where we walk, eat, play, and come together as one city. As mayor, I am committed to reclaiming our streets for everyone to enjoy safely. New Yorkers shouldn’t have to travel to Europe to experience open summer streets. We have them right here in our own backyard. And this summer we are expanding Summer Streets to all five boroughs.
On five Saturdays in July and August, from 7am to 1pm, select streets will be open to pedestrians citywide. New Yorkers will be able to enjoy outdoor activities with their neighbors, all car free. And now they can enjoy Summer Streets in their own borough for the first time.
Last year, we added two miles, brought the program to East Harlem, and brought back the third Saturday of Summer Streets. This
year, we are bringing Summer Streets to all five boroughs and doubling the overall size of the program to 20 miles of streets citywide. And we’re continuing to grow in Manhattan, bringing Summer Streets all the way up to 125th Street in Harlem for the first time.
We are opening major corridors like Eastern Parkway and Grand Concourse even further with this bold approach.
Summer Streets will take place in Queens
on July 29th, on Vernon Boulevard between 44 Drive and 30 Drive.
Staten Islanders can also enjoy Summer Streets on July 29th, along Richmond Terrace, between York Avenue and Bard Avenue.
Manhattan will see three weekends of Summer Streets, on August
5th, 12th & 19th, from Brooklyn Bridge to West 125 Street.
In Brooklyn, New Yorkers can enjoy Summer Streets on the 26th of August, along Eastern Parkway between Grand Army Plaza and Buffalo Avenue.
And Summer Streets in the boogie down Bronx
will also take place on the 26th of August, along Grand Concourse, between East Tremont Avenue and Mosholu Parkway.
We also want to hear from organizations and performers who may be interested in being featured as part of
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 the program this summer. Organizations can visit https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/ XS957NZ and fi ll out a survey to be part of Summer Streets. We are bringing joy back to New York City streets. New Yorkers can also enjoy expanded
Open Streets at nearly 160 locations across the city, as well as 400,000 square feet of new, permanent pedestrian space that we have added over the past year. That’s in addition to the new public spaces we are building every day and in every borough. And we are making his-
tory by opening up new street space to pedestrians. In December, we opened 5th Avenue to people for the fi rst time in more than 50 years. And I am proud that we are making history once again by bringing Summer Streets to New Yorkers in every borough.
Summer is a time for everyone — no matter where you live, how old you are, or how much money you make — to come together and relax. On Summer Streets, you can walk, run, play, dance, ride a bike, cool off in mists and sprinklers, paint a picture, get a temporary
tattoo, appreciate art, join a dance party, or just take a selfi e. It will be lots of fun — and we will be reducing traffi c congestion, greenhouse gases and air pollution at the same time. Happy summer, and I look forward to seeing you on a Summer Street.
By Alex Karydi, LMFT, Director, Behavioral Product Development, VNS Health
The teenage years can be rough—particularly these days. Increasingly, young people navigating the road to adulthood face debilitating insecurity, loneliness, depression, and worse. Kids often have a lot to carry on their shoulders, and when this burden becomes overwhelming the consequences can be devastating. Today, there is growing concern among parents, teachers, and behavioral health providers about how to identify and communicate with children whose struggles put them at risk for suicide and self-harming behaviors.
The CDC reports that suicide rates for young people between the ages of 10 and 24 are the highest they’ve been in years. For members of the LGBTQI and BIPOC (black, indigenous and people of color) communities in this age group, the numbers, sadly, are even higher. Experts say this increased risk stems not from inherent issues around identity, but rather from the mistreatment and stigmatization a LGBTQI or BIPOC teen might experience at home, in school, or in the community.
Whether it’s early childhood trauma, bullying, isolation, or just being made
to feel that you “don’t belong,” the mistreatment that many LGBTQI or BIPOC youth experience can create deep psychological wounds. While these wounds may not be visible, they can have a negative impact on every part of someone’s physical and mental wellbeing.
At VNS Health, the nonprofit home- and community-based health care organization where I work, our Behavioral Health team is one of five groups to receive seed funding from the New York State Office of Mental Health to help LGBTQI and BIPOC youth at risk for suicide and self-harm. Through
the Safe Pathway Coalition, my colleagues and I are working in the New York City community to address this issue in two important ways: 1) we provide anonymous one-on-one and family counseling for teens in need; and 2) we’re partnering with a leading suicide prevention training provider to educate clinicians, teachers, parents, community organizations and others about this health crisis, and arm them with the skills they need to listen, identify and help an LGBTQI or BIPOC child or young adult whose life may be at risk.
For those of us who are caring for young people, be it in the role of parent, teacher, social worker, or mentor, we have a special opportunity to help them manage these serious challenges—before their experience becomes unbearable. As a parent myself, I can understand why some may find it difficult, at least initially, to have these conversations with children. What’s more, in many communities speaking about mental health is taboo. Past negative experiences can also make it difficult for a young person who may be considering suicide
Alex Karydi, LMFT, Director, Behavioral Product Development, VNS Health
to trust someone enough to open up about their struggle.
To help facilitate these conversations, the Safe Pathway Coalition encompasses a diverse set of clinicians—including peer specialists, who are uniquely trained to meet people where they are. Peers can be especially important in building trust with young people who are struggling. They can help build understanding with a vulnerable teen, letting them know they are not alone, and that there are people who care and want to help.
Siobhan Kelly, a peer specialist with our Safe Pathway program, says that fostering a genuine and real connection with a young person is an important first step when it comes to interventions. “One of the most effective ways we have to reach youth is through listening, and by letting them know that we’re not here to judge or make assumptions,” explains Siobhan. “Having a shared background or identity can also help in fostering those conversations, which is why
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we’re focused on expanding our coalition and network of peer specialists who work with the many diverse youth across NYC.”
It is worth noting that having those initial conversations does not mean that the risk of suicide has disappeared. One question that often comes up from parents and youth mentors is not necessarily how to determine if someone is at risk, but how
to determine their level of risk. Addressing the causes that lead to suicidal ideation often takes more time and resources, which is why Safe Pathway relies not just on our peer specialists, but also provides trainings and continuing education credits on suicide safety planning techniques. We also collaborate with partnering organizations to create innovative digital tools that practitioners can keep on hand and in-
stantly refer to when a youth is in crisis.
Despite the challenges that LGBTQI and BIPOC adolescents face, it is heartening to see the deep wells of resilience and strength they can find within themselves. It is this resilience that reminds us of what PRIDE is all about, no matter what month of the year it is. Be it pride in our racial/ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any of the
many other identity factors that make each of us special and unique, it is important to acknowledge and celebrate who we are every day of the year.
It’s also important to note, however, that without support from those around them, it can be difficult for LGBTQI and BIPOC youth to access this pride and strength. Combatting the mental health crisis, and the gaps in care that exist for these individuals, will require efforts
from all of us in the community. The good news is that change is possible. There is help for those at risk—and with cooperation, shared resources, and compassionate, individualized support, there is hope as well. For more information on joining the Safe Pathway Coalition, or to learn more about the program, call 718-8404899. To learn about Behavioral Health programs and services from VNS Health, go to our website.
Children with asthma spend more time in the hospital when there is a greater amount of particulate matter (PM 2.5) - tiny pieces of solids or liquids - and Ozone - a colorless gas - in the air, according to a new study by researchers at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM). The study, just published in the Journal of Asthma, comes days after New York City was blanketed in wildfire smoke.
In this first-of-its-kind study in children, led by pediatric hospitalist, Elissa B. Gross, D.O., M.P.H, the investigators assessed medical records of more than 1,700 children, aged 2 –18-years-old, admitted to CHAM between 2017 – 2019 and found that
CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
the mean length of stay increased up to 10% for every 10 micrograms of pollutants per cubic meter of air - equating to longer length of stay during times when air quality was poorer.
Asthma is a leading cause of pediatric hospitalizations in the United States. In the Bronx asthma prevalence in
children is 17%, compared to 5.8% nationally. There are many factors that impact the condition, including socioeconomic status, environmental triggers found in homes, such as mold and pests, and air pollution – which disproportionately affects Bronx residents due to the many surrounding highways.
The Bronx also has more federal air quality violations than any other borough. The analysis found that children with asthma, whose developing lungs are especially vulnerable to air pollutants, had longer hospitalizations when PM 2.5 in the air was high on the day of admission to the hospital, and when OZ was
elevated the day prior to hospitalization.
“Our fi ndings suggest that children with asthma may experience more severe exacerbations and remain hospitalized longer when they are exposed to a higher level of pollutants in the air,” said Dr. Gross, who is also associate professor of Clinical Pediatrics at
Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “Hospitalizations are very disruptive to a child and their family, so it would be benefi cial for everyone if there were more effective environmental policies that could help to prevent high levels of pollution so asthma exacerbations and chronic illness could be lessened for Bronx children.”
If you enjoy French cuisine as I do, Bastille Day is Friday, July 14th, a good excuse to indulge. Make your reservations early.
Gallic restaurants, bakeries and cafes throughout greater New York will be offering their finest culinary specialties, vintage wines, and traditional festivities. You can enjoy LA CUISINE FRANCAISE in nearby Westchester!
Encore Bistro in Larchmont is where proprietor David Masliah and his team offer such lusty bistro favorites as: colorful and delicious Tartin de Tomates, Moules Provencales, my favorite Salade Parisienne, along with St. Jacques au buerre blanc and Steak Frites. (It’s hard to stay away from their rendition sweetbreads, too!) Great French fries here, the real thing!
For dessert, there are classic versions of Tarte Tatin and Profiteroles. Outdoor seating. Encore Bistro Francais, 22 Chatsworth Ave., Larchmont. 914-833-1661
www.encore-bistro.com
After a run through the bustling Pleasantville Farmers
Market on a Saturday morning head over to nearby JeanJacques Culinary Creations. The display counters and blackboards are filled with tempting possibilities, from sweet and savory crepes, sandwiches to fresh breads and cakes. It’s been 22 years and the place is working at full steam. There are two dining rooms, one counter side, and a separate more formal section. French classics include Quiche Lorraine with salad, and a Croque Madame Croissant, oozing with fried egg, cheese, and ham. Outdoor seating weather permitting. Jean-Jacques, 468 Bedford Road, Pleasantville. 914-747-8191
www.jeanjacques.com
La Cremaillere has brought country French dining back to the Westchester/Connecticut border hamlet of Banksville. Venerable La Cremaillere Restaurant, housed in a vintage 1750 house on Bedford-Banksville Road, has reopened and currently serves dinner only Wednesday-Saturday, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m; and Saturday and Sunday lunch from noon to 2:30 p.m. Executive Chef is Thomas Burke,
who had previously worked at Purdy’s Farmer and the Fish locations in Westchester & New York City, and Le Bernardin, Manhattan. Look for such Gallic specialties as: Hudson Valley
Foie Gras, Long Island Duck Breast ‘a l’orange’, and Strawberries & Cream MilleFeuille. La Cremaillere, 46 Bedford-Banksville Road, Banksville. 914-234-9647
www.lacremny.com
Chef/Proprietor George Seitz has maintained the oldworld charm at The Arch in Brewster for 40 years. His restaurant is one of the long-standing culinary destinations in the Hudson Valley. Be seated in the lovely stone hearth dining room and consider such French classics as: House Cured Gravlax with all the trimmings; Sizzling Escargots; Crisp Honey Orange Roasted Duckling; and for dessert classic Grand Marnier Souffle. A fine dose of seasonal flourishes, too. Elegant, but not stuffy. Outdoor seating. The Arch, 1292 Route 22, Brewster. Reservations suggested. 845-2795011 www.archrestaurant. com
Proprietors Joe Quartararo and Christian Larsen have been operating Le Jardin du Roi in the heart of Chappaqua for over 20 years. It’s a chic bistro interior and cozy bar. There’s also a pleasant tented outdoor patio. The surrounding garden flowers are in full bloom. A long-standing favorite here is their signature Burger du Roi, prepared medium with bacon, Swiss cheese, and sunny side egg on top.
To my memory, Le Jardin was one of the first to ‘throw an egg on it’, before the culinary concept became so commonplace. The large platter comes with French fries. The
burger oozes decadence, deliciously so. Also, look for their delightful French Onion Soup, Escargots, or Croque Monsieur/Madame. Breakfast served all day. Le Jardin Due Roi, 95 King Street, Chappaqua. 914-238-1368
www.lejardinchappaqua.com
The former Vox location in North Salem has evolved into two French inspired restaurants in one: the formal La Bastide, and Cenadou a more casual bistro. Cenadou is now open for dinner only Wednesday through Sunday. La Bastide will follow soon. Owners are husband and wife Andrea Calstier and CONTINUED ON
Elena Oliver who had for a time lived in Marseilles, France and owned a restaurant in Manhattan’s East Village called Papilles. Look for such specialties as Moules a la Provencales; Escargots; Rack of Lamb; and Halibut. La Bastide & Cenadou, 71 Titicus Road at the intersection of Routes 116 & 202, North Salem. 914-485-1519 https:// www.labastidebyac.com
There’s more: Look for Pate
Maison, Steak au Poivre, Poulet Frites, and Profiteroles for dessert at Saint George Bistro, 155 Southside Ave., Hastings-On-Hudson. 914-4781671 www.saintgeorgebistro. com
French/Mediterranean dishes include a French Picnic Platter of cured meats, cheeses and accoutrements, Beef Bourguignon, special Bouillabaisse or Coq au Vin. Le Provencal Bistro, 436 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck. 914-777-2324
www.provencalbistro.com
BON APPETIT!
NYC SUMMER
RESTAURANT WEEK
MARKS 30 YEARS!
For those seeking summer bites in the around the Big Apple, the 31st annual NYC Restaurant Week will run July 24 thru August 20. More than 500 participating restaurants in all 5 boroughs will be offering 2 & 3-course prix fixe lunches and dinners at $30, $45 and $60 price
points. Each restaurant will set their own menu for the duration of the event. There are caveats, so patrons are advised to check ahead regarding menus, dates and serving times. Participating eateries in the Bronx include: Ice House Café, Throgs Neck; Patsy’s Pizzeria, Morris Park; Travesias, Throgs Neck; Caridad Williamsbridge; Arthur Avenue Fiasco, Belmont; Michaelangelo’s, Belmont;
Chocobar Cortes, Mott Haven; Milk Burger, Mott Haven; Café Colonial, Pelham Parkway. For the full list and more info: www.nycgo.com/ restaurantweek/.
(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 & Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-2356591. E-mail: gutreactions@ optonline.net)
