VOL. 21 • NUMBER 31 • AUGUST 18, 2022
BETTOR END Feds Hit Reputed Mobsters with Racketeering, Illegal Gambling Raps in Queens
See story on page 2
According to federal prosecutors, members of the Bonanno crime family ran sports-wagering parlors out of two borough establishments, including La Nazionale Soccer Club in Glendale near Woodhaven. Photo Courtesy of Google
THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 31 • AUGUST 18, 2022 | 1
Reputed Members of Two Organized Crime Families Charged with Running Gambling Rackets
Photo Courtesy of Google
The Bonannos operated illegal gambling parlors at borough establishments, including Glendale Sports Club.
By Michael V. Cusenza Nine reputed members of the Genovese and Bonanno organized crime families have been indicted for their roles in running illegal gambling at six sites, including two in Queens, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday. As alleged, charged in the indictments unsealed in Brooklyn federal court are: Anthony Pipitone, a captain and soldier in the Bonanno organized crime family of La Cosa Nostra; Vito Pipitone, Bonanno soldier; Agostino Gabriele, Bonanno associate; Carmelo Polito, acting captain in the Genovese organized crime family; Joseph Macario, Genovese soldier; and Genovese associ-
ates Salvatore Rubino and Joseph Rutigliano. Nassau County Det. Hector Rosario has also been charged with obstructing a grand jury investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District and lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Eight defendants were arrested Tuesday morning. Joe Rutigliano is on the run. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of NY, Rosario, 49, has been released on a $500,000 bond; Gabriele, 35, a Glendale resident, has been released on a $500,000 bond; Anthony Pipitone, 49, has been released on a $2 million bond; Feuer, 59, has been released on a $200,000 bond; Ru-
bino, 58, has been released on a $150,000 bond; Polito, 63, of Whitestone, has been released on a $1.1 million bond; and Macario, 68, has been released on a $700,000 bond. As detailed in the indictments and court filings, members of the Genovese and Bonanno families operated several illegal gambling operations in Queens and on Long Island. Beginning in at least May 2012, the Genovese and Bonanno families jointly operated a lucrative illegal gambling operation in Lynbrook called the Gran Caffe. The profits earned through this and other gambling locations generated substantial revenue, which was then laundered through cash transfers to the defendants and through “kicking up” to the crime families’ leaders. Rutigliano and Rubino collected the proceeds for the Genovese family and distributed them up to higher-ranking members, including Polito and Macario. At times, Gabriele collected the proceeds for the Bonannos and distributed them up to higher-ranking members of that family, including Anthony Pipitone and Vito Pipitone. In addition to the Gran Caffe, the Genovese family—through Polito, Macario, Rutigliano, Rubino and others—operated illegal gambling parlors at establishments called Sal’s Shoe Repair and the Centro
Photo Courtesy of U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of NY
U.S. Attorney Peace said, “The Mafia continues to pollute our communities.”
Calcio Italiano Club. The Bonannos— through Anthony Pipitone, Vito Pipitone, Gabriele and others—operated illegal gambling parlors at borough establishments called the Soccer Club, La Nazionale Soccer Club in Glendale and Glendale Sports Club. Polito, an alleged acting Genovese captain, is also charged with operating an illegal online gambling scheme in which bets were placed on sporting events through a website called “PGWLines.” As also detailed in the indictments and other court filings, Rosario allegedly accepted money from the Bonannos in exchange for offering to arrange police raids of competing gambling locations. “[T]he Mafia continues to pollute our communities,” Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said on Tuesday.
Governor Calls for Expanded Drought Watch in New York By Forum Staff
for this time of year, with 422 billion gallons currently in storage, compared to 469 billion gallons normally. DEC continues to work closely with DEP to monitor reservoir conditions and encourage responsible water use, especially outdoors, regardless of the hydrological conditions or season. The drought watch is triggered by the State Drought Index, which reflects precipitation levels, reservoir/lake levels, and stream flow and groundwater levels in the nine drought regions of the state. Each of these indicators is assigned a weighted value based on its significance to various uses in a region. The State Drought Index is attuned to the specific attributes of New York and may differ moderately
Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday directed the State Department of Environmental Conservation to issue an updated drought watch after consulting with the State Drought Management Task Force and federal partner agencies. The watch now includes most New York counties except those located in the Adirondack, Eastern Great Lakes, and New York Metropolitan regions. New York State is encouraging residents in affected counties, particularly those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks. A watch is the first of four levels of State drought advisories, which are watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. No mandatory restrictions are in place under a state drought watch, Hochul noted. An increasing number of water supply challenges are being reported due to dry conditions. Below-normal precipitation during the last three months, low stream flows and low groundwater levels prompt the need for the expansion of the watch status to ensure adequate public water supplies. Local public water suppliers are urged to assess the current situation, promote voluntary conservation, and take appropriate actions to manage risk. New York State drought region IIA, which includes New York City and Westchester, remains in normal status due to the satisfactory storage levels and refill probability of the New York City reservoirs. According to the City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the City's reservoirs are approximately nine percent below normal 2 | AUGUST 18, 2022 • Number 31 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP
from some national technical drought assessments. DEC and U.S. Geological Survey are partners in evaluating hydrologic conditions across New York State. In addition, DEC supports efforts by local governments and stakeholders to undertake water conservation measures based on specific local circumstances. Observed precipitation has been less than normal with shortfalls of two to six inches common over the last 90 days. The dry weather began in the spring and is beginning to significantly affect other metrics. Stream flows and groundwater levels are well below normal throughout much of the affected regions. Groundwater levels have been declining over the past few months and they are not expected to improve in the immediate future due to the existing precipitation deficit. The National Weather Service outlook for the remainder of the summer predicts above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation. To protect water resources, homeowners are encouraged to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use and follow these tips: • Water lawns only when necessary, choose watering methods that avoid waste, and water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and maximize soil hydration; • Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to water plants; • Raise lawn mower cutting heights. Longer grass is healthier with stronger roots and needs less water; • Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks; and Courtesy of DEC • Fix leaking pipes, hoses, and faucets.
Third Person Charged in Bus Attack
File Photo
All three alleged attackers have been arrested and charged.
By Michael V. Cusenza A Jama i c a wo man ha s b een c harged f o r h e r r o l e i n l a s t m o n t h’s a s s a u l t on a woman while riding on the Q53 b u s n ear t h e i nter sec t i o n o f Jama i c a Av e n u e a n d Wo o d h a v e n B o u l e v a r d i n Wo o d h a v e n , Q u e e n s D i s t r i c t A t t o r n e y M e l i n d a K a t z a n n o u n c e d Tu e s d a y. Ja h na i y a Wi l l iams , 1 9 , wa s arraigned Monday on charges of assault in the second and third degree as a hate crime, assault in the second and third degree, menacing in the third degree as a hate crime, aggravated harassment in the second degree and menacing. According to v ideo sur veillance footage and information provided by the complainant, at approx imately
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6 : 3 0 p. m . o n J u l y 9 , W i l l i a m s , w h o was holding a shopping bag , and the two females with her—one who is a j u v e n i l e a n d b e i n g p r o s e c u t e d i n Fa m ily Cour t—allegedly approached the 57-year-old v ictim as she sat near the rear of the bus. Williams allegedly looked directly at v ictim say ing , “ I h a t e w h i t e p e o p l e .” S h e a l s o s t a t e d t h a t s h e h a t e s w h i t e p e o p l e ’s s k i n . A s the bus passed a cemeter y Williams said to the v ictim, “I am going to kill you , thi s i s w here I’m going to bur y y o u .” W i l l i a m s a l s o a l l e g e d l y r e m o v e d a jar from her shopping bag and told the victim she would beat the victim with the object. A s the bus came to a stop near the i n t e r s e c t i o n o f J a m a i c a Av e n u e a n d Wo o d h a v e n B o u l e v a r d , W i l l i a m s a n d the juvenile both spat on the victim. Williams then allegedly hit the victim repeatedly in the head w ith the shopp i n g b a g c o n t a i n i n g t h e j a r. W i l l i a m s , along with at least one of her partners, allegedly punched the victim several times in her head and the trio then f l e d t h e b u s t o g e t h e r. The v ictim was taken to a borough hospital for her injuries which included a deep laceration on the right side of her head requiring three staples. “A s a l l e g e d , t h e d e f e n d a n t , a s w e l l as two other apprehended individuals, carried out an unprovoked assault on a public transit rider simply because o f t h e v i c t i m’s r a c e ,” D A K a t z s a i d . “ I am committed to holding accountable those who perpetuate bias-motivated attacks on the residents of the most d i v e r s e c o u n t y i n t h e w o r l d .” If conv icted, Williams faces 3 1/2 to 15 years in prison.
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The assault occurred on the Q53 bus in Woodhaven.
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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 31 • AUGUST 18, 2022 | 3
Adams Signs Legislation Guaranteeing Abortion in Five Boroughs By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams on Friday signed legislation to protect access to safe and affordable abortions in New York City. Coming on the heels of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that effectively overturned Roe v. Wade, the package of six bills will strengthen abortion protections, make medication abortion free at all New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) clinics, and improve public health education so every New Yorker and person visiting New York City for reproductive health care knows their rights and their options for receiving care. The six bills are: • Int. 465-A requires DOHMH to annually report the number of births and abortions provided in the city each year both for individuals who were residents of New York City at the time of such birth or abortion and for those who were not residents. DOHMH will also be required to assess the ability of licensed medical providers in the city to provide reproductive health care, identify any challenges faced by licensed medical providers to provide reproductive health care, and make recommendations for increasing the capacity of such providers to provide reproductive health care. • Int. 466-A prohibits city agencies from using city resources — including,
Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
Mayor Adams signed the bill package into law on Friday.
but not limited to, time spent by employees and the use of city property — to detain persons for performing or aiding with abortions or to cooperate with out-of-state entities related to abortions performed in New York state. • Int. 474-A requires the city to conduct a public education program to inform the public about the protections available to people and providers accessing reproductive health care facilities. It also requires the city provide information about the protections available in the city Human Rights Law
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(HRL) related to reproductive health decisions and stopping discriminatory harassment. The public education program will also provide information about a person’s right to bring a civil action for violating the HRL or accessing the reproductive health care facilities law, as well as how to access resources to find comprehensive reproductive health care and privacy protections for people accessing reproductive health care. • Int. 475-A creates a private right of action for interference with reproductive or endocrine medical care.
• Int. 506-A requires the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection to implement an outreach and education campaign on facilities that deceptively advertise or are otherwise misleading when offering reproductive health services. • Int. 507-A requires DOHMH to provide access to U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved medicine for medication abortions, at no cost to patients, at health clinics operated by DOHMH. DOHMH would provide such medication to patients who seek to terminate their pregnancy, when the use of such medication is indicated and in accordance with the medically reasonable and good faith professional judgment of such patients’ medical providers. DOHMH would also provide counseling and timely referrals to other health facilities and qualified family planning providers, if needed, for other services. “As a society, we must continue working toward protecting women’s reproductive rights and their right to choose. I believe that it is important for everyone to be able to make informed decisions about their own bodies and have access to their health care needs. With the official overturning of Roe v. Wade, we can see firsthand the attack on reproductive freedom,” said City Councilwoman Nantasha Williams (D-St. Albans).
Adams Unveils Plan to Prevent and End Youth Homelessness in NYC
Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. said he has “high hopes” for Mayor Adams’ Plan to Prevent and End Youth Homelessness.
By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams recently announced the release of “Opportunity Starts with a Home: New York City's Plan to Prevent and End Youth Homelessness.” Powered by a $15 million Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the plan details city, federally, and privately funded initiatives to serve youth experiencing homelessness comprehensively and compassionately. Developed in partnership with nonprofit partners and youth with lived experience, the plan also includes policy proposals to cut through City bureaucracy and better serve youth experiencing homelessness. In September 2021, the City of New York was awarded its first-ever, $15 million YHDP grant from HUD to support a wide range of new housing and service interventions to address youth homelessness. The city undertook an intensive multi-sector community planning process with shared ownership of decision-making and program design. The result of the work outlined a plan for how to invest the grant, implement policy changes, and spearhead new city initiatives towards preventing and ending youth homelessness. The program was drafted during an eight-month planning process that included 20 organizations, including 15 city agencies, youth with lived experience, community-based organizations, advocacy groups, and philanthropic and research partners. Central to this planning process was the leadership of youth with lived experience through New York City’s Youth Action Board (YAB), which helped ensure that the plan was written in collaboration with young people who have lived experience with homelessness. Throughout the process, the YAB members served as key collaborators in developing a plan that is intersectional in its approach to meet the needs of youth experiencing homelessness.
The resulting plan contains more than 60 individual actions that will collectively move the city toward preventing and ending youth homelessness, including an investment of $11.1 million over the next year to pursue innovative and large-scale projects funded by the city, the NYC Fund to End Youth and Family Homelessness, and HUD. Initiatives include: • The City’s first-ever Host Home and Shelter Diversion Program, primarily serving the LGBTQ+ ballroom community of New York City; • 102 new units of rapid rehousing for youth and young adults; • New street outreach programming developed specifically for youth; • The city's first-ever financial counseling program tailored to youth experiencing homelessness – developed by DCWP and DYCD; • Creation of over 20 jobs for youth with lived experience in both city- and HUD-funded programs; • Creation of the first Housing and Peer Navigator Training Institute; and • Development of YourPeer, a mobile platform to connect youth to services. The plan’s steering committee will oversee implementation and evaluation of the new initiatives and commitments. Newly funded programs will begin by the end of the calendar year. “The new programs that are coming to New York City through this funding will help our young people avoid the unfortunate experience of homelessness and work to prevent youth from falling into homelessness in the first place,” said State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach). “Many times, when a young person is facing homelessness, all they need is a helping hand to set them on the right track, and these programs will work towards identifying the specific needs of homeless youth. I have high hopes that this set of programs and initiatives will positively impact New York's homeless population.”
The Pharmacist’s Corner
Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph
CBD OIL FOR PETS: Making way for the new age of pet health The fastest growing health trend for both humans and pets in 2019 is CBD Oil. Perhaps you have seen it at the pet store or your vet’s office. Here at Cross Bay Chemist we realize that your pets are an extremely integral and important part of our customer’s lives. To that end we have added a line of CBD products for both out customers and their pets. One of the most difficult parts of owning a dog is having concerns about their health. Seeing them in pain or distress causes great emotional hardship for many of our customers. Dogs can suffer from many of the same painful and threatening conditions as we do. Anxiety, arthritis, cancer, epilepsy and sleep problems can all plague your furry friends. We believe that CBD oils and products can help your dog feel like his/her old self again with regular use. Cannabidiol –CBD Oil- is a substance extracted from hemp and known for its therapeutic properties. It’s also non-psychoactive, and doesn’t contain any THC, which can be toxic to dogs in large doses. It is known for many things including calming anxiety, easing pain, lessening the intensity and frequency of seizures. CBD oil can also improve sleep quality and duration for those who struggle with insomnia and other sleep disorders. Humans have been using the oils for centuries and recently pets have been introduced to using CBD. For senior and disabled dogs the benefits of CBD are many. They are proven to ease pain, fight inflammation, reduce the
use of opioids and NSAIDS and increase mobility. Cross Bay Chemist carries several different brands including cbdMD that has been named by experts in the field as one of the top brands of CBD Oil for pets. You should surely consult with your vet for the best route to introducing CBD into your pet’s long-term healthcare plan. We are happy to go over any concerns that you may have over the use of any of these products. And we are happy to report that customers already utilizing the oils are reporting tremendous improvement in many aspects of their pets’ lives. For many disabled and senior dogs, pain management is a key component of maintaining their quality of life. Pain from injury, surgery, and chronic and progressive disease such as IVDD, hip dysplasia, and arthritis is debilitating to animals. Just as it is in our own lives, reducing pain is vital for improved quality of life. Please be very mindful when choosing the right CBD Oils for your pets. The market is so new that it is struggling to keep up with overwhelming demand for the product, unfortunately making way for many pop-up produces that market inferior or dangerous preparations to satisfy demand. Despite the fact that these products are available without prescription, consult with your vet or with us before making any purchases. Again we are here to answer you questions and we look forward to being part of keeping your best friends in top health along with their owners! Until next week…
For your family’s prescription needs, please call
CROSS BAY CHEMIST at 718-659-9500 or 718-880-1644
157-02 Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm. Sat-Sun 9am-7pm. or 96-05 101st Ave. in Ozone Park: Mon-Sat 9am-7pm. Sunday: Closed.
Ariola Touts FDNY Budget Purchases
City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (ROzone Park), chairwoman of the Committee on Fire and Emergency Management, on Monday applauded the City Fire Department Fiscal Year 2023 budget allocations. Some of those purchases include: $1.185 for a driving simulator at FDNY Randall’s Island training center; $170,000
for a new ceremonial vehicle to transport firefighters and their families to events such as memorials, parades, etc.; $30,000 for Engine Co. 302/Ladder Co. 155 in Jamaica; and $25,000 to buy DeWalt battery-operated saw packages for borough ladder companies. “It’s an honor to make some much needed purchases for our heroes in the FDNY from the budget this year,” Ariola said. “From a driving simulator to saw packages, these will help to improve the abilities of New York's Bravest—men and women who have dedicated their lives to keeping us all safe!” Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola
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Invasive Lanternfly has Breached Much of New York and now we Need Fed Action: Schumer By Forum Staff Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Sunday revealed that pockets of NYC, Long Island and Upstate are now infested with the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF). According to Schumer, the SLF poses a risk to all of New York. Schumer said New York City’s parks, like Central Park, Long Island wineries and upstate crops are all at risk. Schumer said, uncontrolled, the pesky bug could cost New York State millions if it is not contained. Schumer urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture to tap federal funds from an account he has supported with over $200 million dollars to contain the SLF. Schumer said these funds can be used by New York’s “Integrated Pest Management Program,” and that there is still time to contain the Spotted Lanternfly’s serious threat to New York. Schumer also said fed funds can be used for education and eradication teams as he made the case for to deliver an additional $22 million in the upcoming fed budget to deal with invasive species like the SLF. Schumer detailed his two-pronged push to contend with the bug: First, Schumer said that he is calling on the USDA’S Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to use the over $200 million for the Specialty Crops Pests program he secured in the recent appropriations bill,
According to Schumer, the Spotted Lanternfly poses a risk to all of New York.
including $1 million allocated for the control of Spotted Lanternflies, to bolster New York’s ongoing efforts to prevent the insect from spreading in New York. Second, Schumer said he is launching a major push to increase federal support for the USDA’s APHIS program by over $22 million in FY23 to enhance their work with states to prevent & mitigate invasive species like the Spotted Lanternfly. Schumer praised the work being done currently by USDA and New York State to monitor for
Photo Courtesy of Sen. Schumer
sightings of the SLF and to educate locals on best ways to spot this invasive species. The senator explained, however, that longsustained funding and planning is required to prevent damage and ensure communities have the resources to stop this bug from coming back and stomping it out wherever it may pop up. To help control this invasive insect, the state, with the help of federal funds, is: Conducting trapping surveys, collecting data, and monitoring SLF populations
AGM issued a quarantine that restricts movement of goods brought into NY from quarantined areas in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. Requires certain items (like construction and landscaping materials) have a certificate of inspection issued by impacted state Conducting outreach to the public, trade groups, other stakeholders to provide up to date info on SLF Educating the public on how to identify SLF, report sightings to the state, and kill the bug; get in the habit of inspecting firewood and outdoor furniture for egg masses; and reminding New Yorkers if they leave the state to inspect their car for SLF before coming back to avoid further spreading them In an effort to detect SLF early and respond in a timely manner, DEC has established a Protective Zone encompassing 20 counties located near the PA and NJ infestations. Protective Zones allow DEC and its partners to conduct activities such as surveying, monitoring, and management to find and prevent the spread of SLF. Protective Zones are established in the following counties: Queens, Bronx, Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, Nassau, Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Tioga, Ulster and Westchester.
Legislation to Help Veterans Exposed to Radiation Enacted into Law By Forum Staff
is an issue that many Queens veterans have advocated for with Meng ever since she was first sworn into Congress. Meng’s measure is named after the late Hawaii Congressman Mark Takai, a veteran of the U.S. Army and Hawaii Army National Guard who passed away in 2016, and was the original sponsor of the bill in the House of Representatives. Meng first introduced it in 2017.
The veterans who participated in the Marshall Islands cleanup have suffered from high rates of cancers due to their exposure to radiation and nuclear waste but have been unable to receive the same treatments and service-related disability presumptions that other “radiation-exposed veterans” receive. Current law has only covered those who participated in active
President Joe Biden recently signed the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (Honoring Our PACT Act), a veterans health bill that includes U.S. Rep. Grace Meng’s (DFlushing) legislation to provide health care benefits for “Atomic Veterans” who were exposed to harmful radiation when they cleaned up nuclear testing sites during the late 1970s. Meng’s measure, entitled the Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act, will allow veterans who participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll on the Marshall Islands to receive the same health care and benefits given to other veterans who were involved in active nuclear tests. From 1946 to 1958, the U.S. military conducted nuclear tests on the islands, but the thousands of servicemembers who cleaned up the area were never made eligible to receive health benefits. The Honoring Our PACT Act expands healthcare to approximately 3.5 million veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their service, including smoke from burn pits and other airborne hazards. It creates presumptions for 23 respiratory illnessPhoto Courtesy of Rep. Meng es and cancers, such that they are assumed “We must take care of all our nation’s veterans, and that includes all who have cleaned-up nuclear testing sites and to have been caused by toxic substances. It those exposed to hazardous materials,” Rep. Meng said.
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nuclear tests, not those who participated in the cleanup. “The enactment of my legislation will finally provide the brave veterans who cleaned up Enewetak Atoll with the health care they need and deserve,” said Meng. “It is way overdue and should not have taken decades to correct this injustice. We must take care of all our nation’s veterans, and that includes all who have cleaned-up nuclear testing sites and those exposed to hazardous materials. As I’ve said, we have a moral obligation to ensure needed care is delivered to our toxic-exposed veterans, and the Honoring our PACT Act will make sure that impacted veterans receive the assistance they require. I was honored to help pass it in Congress, and I thank President Biden for making it the law of the land. I also thank all the Queens veterans who raised the issue of burn pits with me over the years and commend them for keeping up the fight.” Ryan Graham, legislative committee of the Queens County Council VFW, added, “Assisting those that participated in nuclear cleanup and radiation exposure, as well as those exposed to burn pits during the most recent conflicts during the Global War on Terror, is not only sensible but the responsibility we hold for those that served.”
State Honors Fallen Borough Detective
Photo Courtesy of Rep. Meng
State legislators and City officials on Monday joined the family of City Police Det. Anastasios Tsakos to rename the Long Island Expressway overpass at Francis Lewis Boulevard and Horace Harding Expressway as the Detective Anastasios Tsakos Memorial Bridge. Tsakos, a 14-year NYPD veteran and member of the department’s elite High-
way District, was killed in April 2021 on the LIE in Fresh Meadows by an allegedly unlicensed, intoxicated driver. “He devoted his life to protecting our city and this dedication in his honor will ensure that the sacrifice he made will never, ever be forgotten,” Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) said on Monday.
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Ridgewood Man Convicted of Attempted Murder in 2020 Robbery Shooting
Photo Courtesy of Google
Plummer confronted the victim near the intersection of Horace Harding Expressway and Calloway Street, after following him for approximately 50 minutes as he traveled from Forest Hills to Corona.
By Forum Staff A Ridgewood man has been convicted of attempted murder for shooting a pedestrian in the stomach and robbing him of his backpack on the Horace Harding Expressway in Corona in June 2020, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Tuesday. Orlando Plummer, 47, was convicted Monday after a two-week jury trial. Plummer was found guilty of attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the first de-
“There is no place for such senseless and brutal acts in Queens County,” DA Katz said.
gree, robbery in the first degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. Sentencing has been set for Sept. 6. According to trial testimony, at approximately 4 p.m. on June 14, 2020, near the intersection of Horace Harding Expressway and Calloway Street, Plummer confronted the victim, McAntoine Valery, 44, after following him for approximately 50 minutes as he traveled from Forest Hills to Corona. Plummer was accompanied by two accomplices who drove in a silver Mitsubishi vehicle. The masked Plummer
and the two others approached the victim and accosted him, punching him repeatedly. Plummer then hit the victim on the head with a hard object and directed his confederates to take the victim’s backpack. Plummer shot the victim once in the stomach, took the victim’s backpack, and then left the scene on foot. The victim was taken to a local hospital where he required surgery and 36 staples to treat his extensive injuries which included gunshot entry and exit wounds on his abdomen and back and internal organ damage.
Photo Courtesy of DA Katz
According to court testimony, video surveillance footage of Plummer near the scene of the incident and earlier that day unmasked in the same clothing led detectives to his identification. “This defendant shot an innocent man following a violent robbery in broad daylight, leaving him clinging to life,” Katz said. “There is no place for such senseless and brutal acts in Queens County.” Plummer faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
Adams Announces Investment in NYC Workers and Employers By Forum Staff Mayor Eric Adams on Monday announced the launch of New York City Pathways to Industrial and Construction Careers (PINCC), a new talent development initiative that will help place nearly 2,300 low-income New Yorkers on the trajectory to careers in two high-growth sectors of the city’s economy over the next three years. Formalized in Executive Order 22, the program will be funded with an $18.6 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration in response to New York City’s winning proposal to the Good Jobs Challenge created under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Targeted to serve cash assistance recipients and public housing residents, PINCC creates training pathways and provides wraparound support up to and beyond job placement, offering life-changing opportunities to New Yorkers. This initiative helps set the stage for the Adams administration’s newly announced citywide talent development strategy, set forth in Executive Order 22. The goal, according to Adams, is to create a city where all young people launch successfully into fulfilling careers, all New Yorkers benefit from a living wage and contribute to the city’s shared prosperity, employers tap local talent, and public and private resources are fully aligned.
PINCC engages through all three phases of the employment cycle: recruitment and training, job placement, retention, and advancement. The program projects to train nearly 2,300 New Yorkers and help place them in high-wage and/or unionized jobs with benefits in roles like diesel mechanic, general utility worker, tradesperson, or construction project manager. Participants will be targeted for specific interest in construction and industrial careers, matched with training appropriate for their skills and ambitions, and placed and provided ongoing support through an
extensive set of employer relationships. Key partners on PINCC include two “catalyst” organizations: the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development and the nonprofit Consortium for Worker Education. Both organizations will engage with employers, while the New York City Human Resources Administration will be responsible for recruiting participants. “All New Yorkers deserve to earn a living wage and share in our city’s prosperity,” Adams said. To further develop the talent and workforce development strategy citywide, the
Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
“All New Yorkers deserve to earn a living wage and share in our city’s prosperity,” Mayor Adams said.
Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development will convene all city agencies and offices that operate programs related to talent and workforce development in designing a coherent system that will better serve jobseekers, students, incumbent workers, employers, and communities. Additionally, Executive Order 22 will more effectively align the nearly two dozen city agencies and offices that administer workforce training and job placement programs. The new approach will integrate the city’s historically siloed education institutions, including the New York City Department of Education (DOE) and The City University of New York (CUNY). The Office of Talent and Workforce Development Interagency Cabinet will coordinate operations, prepare an annual plan with clear objectives, define key performance indicators, and measure progress against goals. The order will also create a Future of Workers Task Force to consider and inform every aspect of the city’s strategy for empowering New Yorkers to secure and succeed in family-sustaining careers. To be staffed by the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development — in partnership with CUNY and the DOE — employers and other key stakeholders will leverage the vision and momentum generated by the task force into a road map for significant systems change.
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Lax Oversight of Medicaid Program behind $700M in Improper Payments: Audit
Photo Courtesy of Comptroller DiNapoli
“My latest Medicaid audit found more examples of how oversight weaknesses impose unnecessary costs on taxpayers,” Comptroller DiNapoli said.
By Forum Staff Hundreds of millions of dollars were spent on Medicaid Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) costs for individuals who no longer qualified for the program, according to an audit released earlier this month by
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. The audit found that inadequate oversight by the State Department of Health (DOH) over a period of more than six years resulted in over $700 million in overpayments for ineligible members and $2.8 billion for minimal services for eligible members. Medicaid’s MLTC program provides long-term care services, such as home health care and nursing home care, to chronically ill or disabled patients. To be eligible, patients must meet certain criteria, such as needing community-based longterm care (CBLTC) services for more than 120 days. Some individuals are automatically enrolled in MLTC, others can choose to voluntarily enroll. DOH contracts with Maximus Health Services Inc. to assess whether individuals who voluntarily enroll meet the MLTC criteria. MLTC plans were responsible for doing semi-annual assessments of their membership to determine whether members still qualified to remain in MLTC and on their plans. Over the audit period examined from January 2015 to March 2021, auditors found issues with MLTC plans’ review of
member eligibility and their processes for removing members who no longer qualified for MLTC. In one example, Medicaid made 48 monthly premium payments to an MLTC plan from 2016 to 2021, totaling $151,490, on behalf of a patient who should not have been allowed to remain in the MLTC program. Despite their ineligibility, the member was continually assessed as eligible and needing MLTC. Oversight of the MLTC program is critical because it helps ensure members get the care they need and contains costs. These are services that are more expensive than others because the premiums paid to MLTC plans are often higher than other types of Medicaid managed care. Individuals who are not eligible for MLTC but still eligible for Medicaid can be moved to less costly Medicaid coverage. MLTC plan officials and DOH attributed issues with membership management and service delivery to several factors including: the inability to get in contact with members believed to be ineligible; the COVID-19 pandemic; and DOH’s lack of systems to identify members who are not receiving services.
DiNapoli’s audit recommended: • A review of the $701 million in improper payments identified in the report to ensure overpayments are appropriately recovered; • Development of a process to ensure timely MLTC disenrollment of members who are no longer eligible for MLTC care; • Re-assessment of the process and time frame for disenrolling ineligible members from MLTC; and • Monitoring of MLTC enrollees to ensure they are properly assessed and receiving the appropriate level of care. “My latest Medicaid audit found more examples of how oversight weaknesses impose unnecessary costs on taxpayers. This time, failure to effectively monitor money allowed $701 million worth of improper spending, and may have also led to unsatisfactory long-term care for eligible patients in need,” DiNapoli said. In response to the audit, DOH generally agreed with the recommendations and indicated that actions are being taken to address them.
State Sues Borough Auto Salvage Company for Alleged Dangerous Pollution City Fire Department (FDNY) have all DEC contacted LSM in 2019 to alert them repeatedly observed these conditions and of the violations and propose an adminState Attorney General Letitia James violations of state laws and regulations that istrative resolution to persisting hazards. and Department of Environmental Conser- prevent the release of toxic and hazardous LSM failed to respond, but their consulvation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos fluids from vehicle dismantling operations. tants suggested a plan for remediation was on Tuesday announced a lawsuit against the owners and operators of LSM Auto Parts & Recycling (LSM), an automobile salvage yard in Jamaica, for releasing dangerous automobile chemicals and oil into the environment. LSM ignored critical regulations surrounding the cleanup of toxic automobile waste and was responsible for significant amounts of oil spillage in the community, contaminating the groundwater and soil in the area. According to the attorney general, for years, LSM acted without regard for the surrounding neighborhood, resulting in hazardous and toxic conditions that repeatedly spilled out into the community. In addition to multiple unremedied gas and oil spills, petroleum and other toxic fluids pooled in several areas throughout the salvage yard. Employees often drained vehicle fluids directly onto the ground instead of into a waste container, thus allowing the chemicals to directly permeate the soil and groundwater. LSM stored gas and other hazardous fluid waste in large plastic tanks, which were neither properly sealed nor capable of withstanding the heat or necessary containment of potential combustion. Gas, oil, and antifreeze regularly spilled out of the salvage yard and into the street, running down sidewalks and into storm drains. DEC, the New York City Department Photos Courtesy of Attorney General James of Environmental Protection (DEP), the According to the attorney general, for years, LSM acted without regard for its surrounding Jamaica neighborhood, City Police Department (NYPD), and the resulting in hazardous and toxic conditions that repeatedly spilled out into the community. By Forum Staff
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forthcoming. No such plan was ever presented to DEC. In late 2021, against the direction of DEC, LSM covered a significant portion of the yard with a layer of concrete, an action which obstructs both investigation and remediation. The lawsuit filed today alleges LSM violated the following state laws and regulations: • The “vehicle dismantling law,” which requires that vehicle dismantlers recover and reuse or properly dispose of oil, gasoline, coolant, and a host of other toxic automobile fluids to avoid their contamination of surface and ground water, soil, and the air. • The “oil spill law,” which requires all spills of petroleum products to be immediately reported and contained in order to limit the spill’s pollution of surface and groundwaters and public exposure to fumes, fires, and other hazards. • DEC “petroleum bulk storage” regulations, which require facilities that store significant volumes of petroleum to securely contain the petroleum and provide for the early detection of leaks or potential leaks. “If you make a mess, you clean it up. Most learn this old adage before they speak their first words, but it’s clear LSM never did. Instead, LSM flouted our environmental protection laws and mismanaged toxic chemicals and pollutants which pose a serious, long-term threat,” James said. “LSM will not get away with knowingly jeopardizing the health and safety of our communities. It’s time they clean up the dangerous mess they have made.”
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Legal Notices Notice of Formation: REDMAN NYC LLC Art. Of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/24/2022. Office Loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: VERONICA A TAPIA ELIZALDE, 4811 192ND STREET. FRESH MEADOW, NY, 11365, USA. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Formation: DOCK 3366 LLC, Art. Of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/21/2022. Office Loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: TAI K. AARON POON, 142-38 ROOSEVELT AVE., FLUSHING, NY, 11354, USA. Purpose: Any lawful activity. Notice of Formation: Penn Foster LLC, Art. Of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/30/2022. Office Loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 3808 Union St Ste 10C, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 360 VERMONT IGY LLC. Filed 1/10/2019. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 143-24 84 DRIVE, QUEENS, NY 11435. Purpose: General. Lara Amadahzie Investors LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 6/8/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 195-04 Linden Blvd., #120055, Saint Albans, NY 11412. General Purpose Notice of formation of limited liability company. Name: BJJ ENTERPRISES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/11/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Lila Ayers, Esq, 8 East Project Avenue, Suite A1, Mount Vernon New York, 10550, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose. Notice of formation of limited liability company. Name: MJM TONG FA PROPERTY LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/20/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to MJM TONG FA PROPERTY LLC P.O. BOX 541400, FLUSHING, NY, 11354, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Pur-pose.
Notice of formation of limited liability company. Name: EMILY FRANCES OLSON LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/17/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to EMILY FRANCES OLSON LLC, 72-32 KESSEL STREET, FOREST HILLS, NY, 11375, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
LITTLE ROOFERS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/20/22. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to JUSTO DANIEL GUANANGA ESPIN, 4102 111TH ST, 1 FL, CORONA, NY 11368, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose
SELF CARE SERIES, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/14/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: SELF CARE SERIES, LLC, 22-44 JACKSON AVE APT 2106, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
EmiTito Properties, LLC. Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/26/22. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 157-26 Locke Avenue, Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: General.
GLOBAL DESIGN HOLDINGS, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/02/22. Office:Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/0 La Reddola, Lester & Associates, LLP, 600 Old Country Road, Suite 230 Garden City, NY 11530. Purpose: Any lawful purpose
AMITY 64, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 04/25/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: AMITY 64, LLC, 28-06 21ST STREET, 2FB, LIC, NY, 11102, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
CLUMSY IBEX FILMS LLC Articles of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/2/22. Off. loc.: Queens Co. SSNY des. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to AACHAREE UNGSRIWONG, 3113 55TH ST APT 1, WOODSIDE, NY, 11377. Purpose: General. XTELL AUSTIN PARKING LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/15/22. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to HARRY JIMENEZ, 6914 171 STREET, FRESH MEADOWS, NY,11365, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose TASSLIFE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/1/22. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Zsuzsanna Tass, 35-46 74th st., Apt 422, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. Purpose: Any lawful purpose PISTILLI HOLDING LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/12/22. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 35-01 30th Avenue, Suite 300, Astoria, NY 11103. Purpose: Any lawful purpose M & AQ FIX & FLIP LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/22/22. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Segundo Pandashina, 739 Knickerbocker Ave, apt 3HH, Brooklyn NY, 11221, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose
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VMR PROPERTIES LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 7/20/22. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 147-09 88rh Ave., Jamaica, NY 11435. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Notice of formation of ZIGLEYS LLC. Art. Of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/19/22. Office in Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 2620 14TH PL APT 1 ASTORIA, NY, 11102. Purpose: Any lawful purpose Bare Strong LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 6/16/2020. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Diversified Corporate Services Int’l, Inc., 99 Washington Ave., Ste. 702, Albany, NY 12210. General Purpose. Notice of Formation of Nomar Realty, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/12/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Katz Realty Group Esq., 45-17 Marathon Pkwy, Little Neck, NY 11362. Purpose: any lawful activity. MARQUIS JS LLC Filed 3/14/2022. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 128 COLES WAY, LAKEWOOD, NJ 08701. Purpose: General.
98-12 SPRINGFIELD BLVD LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on08/15/22. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 44 Bregman Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY 11040. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Notice of Formation of CARMEN RUBIO PHTOGRAPHY NYC LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/28/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 92-35 242ND STREET, BELLROSE, NY,11426, USA. Purpose: any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of Courtlandt Manor Views LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/2/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o Infinite Horizons, LLC, 142-05 Rockaway Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11436. Purpose: any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of WILLOUGHBY NY LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/10/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: JOSEPH DEMATO, 36-46 11TH STREET, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY, 11106, USA. Purpose: any lawful activity.
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