the man who brutally murdered 14-yearold Richmond Hill resident Christine Diefenbach.
Law enforcement o cials haven’t given up on her.
“It is never too late for justice,” Queens District A orney Melinda Katz said on Monday.
Christine ventured out of her 125th Street home early on Sunday, Feb. 7, 1988 to buy the paper at a newsstand that was roughly a quarter-mile to a half-mile from the Diefenbachs front door. Four hours later, her badly bludgeoned body was discovered near a Long Island Rail Road overpass around 89th Avenue and 121st Street that was a popular shortcut for kids at the time.
By Michael V. Cusenza
e hunt continues.
irty- ve years later, detectives assigned to one of the coldest of city homicide cases remain vigilant in their search for
“She was savagely, savagely beaten to death,” Det. John Roberts told the New York Daily News in 2019. “ at’s evident. e cause of death was clearly blunt force trauma. I’m sure she fought. I’m sure she tried to scream. She was skinny and young. She was a child.”
Detectives looked into an anonymous
tip called into the 102nd Precinct stationhouse from a defunct bar a few months a er the murder. e caller pointed their nger at a neighborhood character known simply as “Tennessee,” claiming that the man told friends that he “f—ed up a girl,” and might have even killed her.
e tip didn’t pan out and “Tennessee” maintained that he has always had an alibi for the crime.
Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). All correspondences are strictly con dential.
A Staten Island man and a Brooklyn man have been handed lengthy terms in federal prison for their participation in the October 2017 extortion and murder of an Ozone Park business owner, according to prosecutors.
Ppassim Elder, 43, also known as “Bsam,” “Big Sam” and “Sam,” and Wilbert Bryant, 58, also known as “Will” and “La,” were sentenced by United States District Judge William F. Kuntz II, to terms of imprisonment of 202 years and 40 years, respectively. e defendants were sentenced for extortion and fraud o enses following
their conviction a er a three-week trial in September and October 2021.
As proven at trial, on the morning of Oct. 23, 2017, Bryant and two co-conspirators entered Garden Valley Distributors, a family-owned wholesale distribution center on 101st Avenue and 99th Street in Ozone Park. e perpetrators said that “Big Sam” sent them to collect his money. Earlier that year, Elder, who was known as “Big Sam,” had loaned Hani Kasem’s son money, which the son used to support the business. When Elder demanded full repayment, the son was unable to repay the debt because the money had been used to purchase merchandise for the business. Elder then began
a campaign of intimidation against the son and his family. On one occasion, Elder paid co-conspirators to throw a rock through a window of the victim’s home. On another occasion, Elder barged into Kasem’s home, intimidating members of his family. Finally, Elder dispatched Bryant and two co-conspirators to the Garden Valley Distributors business where the perpetrators brandished a rearm, pistol-whipped the son and shot Kasem in the face, mortally wounding him.
In addition to the murder, Elder extorted another person whose brother had stolen the proceeds of a fraud scheme perpetrated by Elder. Although the victim was not involved in the the , Elder punched him in his face in
front of his daughters, breaking and bloodying his nose in order to “send a message” to the victim’s brother. Elder and Bryant were also convicted of bank fraud conspiracy for lying to banks about the true owner of certain bank accounts, which permi ed Elder to defraud innocent victims across the country, including an elderly man who lost over $30,000 when he was tricked into believing he was purchasing a car and another individual who lost over $150,000 when he was defrauded into believing he was purchasing two real estate properties. Elder was also convicted of crimes commi ed a er his arrest in this case, including stealing his a orney’s identity and lying to federal o cials.
“ e defendants are guilty of multiple crimes of violence and fraud that victimized many persons, including the patriarch of a Queens family who was gunned down in his place of business,” said Brooklyn U.S. A orney Breon Peace.
Queens District A orney Melinda Katz announced on ursday that a Laurelton man has been indicted for allegedly causing a chain of collisions on the Long Island Expressway in October 2022 that resulted in the death of a tow operator and serious injury to a motorist.
Denzel Porter, 28, was arraigned ursday on an indictment charging him with vehicular assault in the rst and second degree, assault in the second degree, vehicular manslaughter in second degree, criminally negligent homicide, operating a motor vehicle while under the in uence of alcohol and operating or driving an unregistered motor vehicle.
According to the charges, on Oct. 8, 2022, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Porter was driving with two female passengers at an extremely high speed in a Dodge Durango on the westbound side of the Long Island Expressway near Woodhaven Boulevard. At the same time, 47-year-old tow operator Carlos Santiago was outside his Ram truck on the right shoulder of the roadway helping 27-year-old motorist Rakiem Ali with his disabled Nissan sedan.
Porter’s Dodge Durango slammed into a silver Volkswagen SUV driven by Peter Park, 66, and
both the Dodge and Volkswagen then collided into the Nissan sedan, striking Santiago and Ali, who were standing nearby. Santiago was thrown towards the service road parallel to the expressway and su ered severe lower body trauma, including the loss of one of his legs.
e Nissan owner and tow operator were both taken to a local hospital. Santiago was pronounced dead as a result of his injuries. Ali required intensive surgical care for his injuries. Both passengers of the Dodge Durango and the Volkswagen driver were also taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-critical injuries.
Investigators responding to the scene of the accident indicated that they observed the defendant exhibiting signs of intoxication.
“ ere’s nothing more sel sh than ge ing behind the wheel and driving under the in uence. Everyone with whom we share the road deserves our respect and consideration and has every right to reach their destination safely. e defendant is alleged to have been driving while intoxicated and will be held to account for the tragic consequences of that decision,” Katz said.
If convicted, Porter faces up to seven years in prison.
Transportation Security Administration officers at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Friday prevented a woman from bringing her loaded handgun through a security checkpoint while she was escorting a minor to their gate.
The .22-caliber gun was loaded with nine bullets, including one in the chamber. Port Authority Police arrested her.
The Greenwich, Conn., woman was not ticketed to fly. She received a “gate pass” from the airline to allow her to escort her minor child through the checkpoint and to their gate. However, she was prevented from doing so once the TSA officers detected the gun and the police were notified.
The gun was caught as the woman entered the security checkpoint. The X-ray unit alerted on the carry-on bag, which required a closer inspection. The firearm was removed by the Port Authority Police who confiscated the gun and arrested her on weapons charges.
In addition to being arrested, she now faces a stiff financial civil penalty for bringing a gun to a TSA security checkpoint. The penalty for carrying weapons recently increased to a maximum of $15,000.
“Our TSA team at JFK perform their jobs exceptionally well with a keen focus to our mission,” said John Essig, TSA’s
a firearm through a checkpoint—not a gate pass holder, not someone with a concealed weapons permit, not a traveler.”
checkpoints nationwide. Eighty-eight percent of those guns were loaded.
Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage. Firearms must be unloaded then packed in a hard-sided locked case. The locked case should be taken to the airline check-in counter to be declared. TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website.
Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality and gun owners have a duty to ensure they are not violating any local firearm laws. Additionally, contacting the respective airline could reveal any additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.
federal security director for the airport.
“When dangerous items such as loaded guns are brought to a security checkpoint, it represents a serious safety concern. When a bullet is in the chamber of the firearm, it is an accident waiting to happen. Nobody is permitted to carry
This was the first firearm that TSA has detected at the airport so far this year. Last year, TSA officers prevented seven firearms from getting through checkpoints at JFK Airport. All of them were loaded. Last year, 6,542 firearms were caught at 262 out of 430 airport security
Bringing a gun to an airport checkpoint carries a federal civil penalty because TSA reserves the right to issue a civil penalty to travelers who have guns and gun parts with them at a checkpoint. Civil penalties for bringing a gun into a checkpoint can stretch into thousands of dollars, depending on mitigating circumstances. This applies to travelers with or without concealed gun carry permits because a concealed carry permit does not allow a firearm to be carried onto an airplane. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. Additionally, if a traveler with a gun is a member of TSA PreCheck®, that individual will lose their TSA PreCheck privileges.
Although some may argue that it’s too early to introduce the subject ma er of this column, I’ve always subscribed to the common sense theories behind early preparation.
A er the fabled terror that March weather can o en bestow upon us, comes April-- and the long-awaited beginning of Spring!
But the beautiful sights and smells of the blossoms that accompany April are not the only arrivals that mark start of Spring.
ere is also great advocacy for continued spring cleaning--that’s right--mop those oors and wash the curtains regularly.
When allergy su erers spend long periods of time outside, they can also minimize e ects by showering o en, washing their hair and clothes to get rid of allergens that are carried into the home upon returning from a day outside.
By Forum Sta
State Sen. Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) recently took part in a site visit at Alphapointe in Richmond Hill to see their operations and learn more about their plans for the future.
Alphapointe, located at 87-46 123rd St., is the largest employer of visually impaired individuals in New York State, and for more than 111 years “has sought to empower these individuals to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.”
eir Queens location employs approximately 200 people, with about 135 of them being blind, the senator noted.
At their 130,000-plus square foot space they create a wide range of products, such as janitorial supplies like mops and brooms, and clothing items which involve skills like sewing, knitting and as -
sembly, for numerous local vendors and small businesses across the state. Additionally, Alphapointe fulfill contracts with New York City, New York State, and the federal government including the military branches by making top-of-the-line medical and tactical gear.
“Ge ing to experience the amazing work happening at Alphapointe rsthand really makes you appreciate the scope of their operation,” Addabbo said. “ e fact that they took a formerly dormant space and turned it into a fully operational factory and distribution center is remarkable. I was able to meet with some of the dedicated employees who, despite their impairment, are able to manufacture military apparel and products for our city. I wish Alphapointe the best of luck moving forward and will work to help make their vision for the future a success.”
e American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says that more than 50 million Americans su er from allergies. Among the most common are food, dust, pollen mold, insect stings, animal dander , medications and latex.
While some allergy su erers may only face irritations from minor symptomology, others can have life-threatening reactions and without medical a ention, they can die.
Fortunately, for those people with less severe conditions, the secret to freedom from those maddening itches, sneezes, scratchy throats and watery eyes, is as near as the counters and shelves of your local pharmacy. A host of over the counter (OTC), remedies available are sure to bring an end to your misery.
Leading experts in the allergy eld have made the suggestion that treating your symptoms early can lead to reducing the e ects of allergy-associated respiratory distress.
ere is also staunch support for monitoring the pollen count and remaining indoors during the hours when the counts are at their highest (10 am to 4 pm). Other advice is to use lters and keep windows closed during the day.
Remember it’s not only your personal grooming that needs focus. Regular bathing and brushing of your pets will greatly reduce the irritants in your home. And as hard as it may be on your heart, try keeping your furry friends out of the bedroom.
If you’d like to help your healthcare providers gure out how best to manage your individual condition, you should also keep a journal to track the time of day you symptoms are at the height.
Your local pharmacist can o er invaluable advice on many products to ease your su ering.
Readily available nasal sprays like Flonase Allergy Relief , Nasacort Allergy 24 HR can treat runny noses, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes and scratchy throats.
Next on the scene are Antihistamines like Allegra, Zyrtec that are time released and can provide relief for long periods of the day without drowsiness.
Decongestants like the QlearQuil product line o ers combined therapies to combat sinuses and congestion.
Finally, air lters that t inside the nose o er protection and assistance for keeping allergens out before they gain entrance to your system. ese are drug free products and act to block things like dust, pollen and pet dander from nding their way into your respiratory system.
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.
Old Howard Beach this week has been the se ing for a bit of a reunion of two megastar “Ocean’s…” alumni.
George Clooney and Brad Pi , seen here at 163rd Avenue and 99th Street, have been lming the highly anticipated Apple TV Plus movie, “Wolves,” in the South Queens neighborhood.
Clooney, 61, and Pi , 59, famously featured in the “Ocean’s…” trilogy. ey haven’t appeared together in a movie since “Burn A er Reading” in 2008.
By Forum Sta
Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing) on Tuesday announced that she has renewed her e ort to reopen the Long Island Rail Road station in Elmhurst.
In a new le er to LIRR Interim President Catherine Rinaldi, which was also signed by local city and state elected o cials, the Congresswoman urged the MTA to consider reopening and rebuilding the shu ered station.
e facility rst began providing railroad service in 1927. It served the Elmhurst and surrounding communities for nearly 60 years until it was shut down and demolished in 1985 due to low ridership. However, the population of Elmhurst has grown signicantly since the station was closed and reopening it would provide a faster commute to Manha an for local residents, while also lessening the burden put on the subway and buses.
In 2013, the MTA/Long Island Rail Road commissioned a survey on the potential reopening the station. e survey found that the station would generate roughly 1,700 peak period morning passengers and would average nearly 3,800 trips per day.
“ e subway lines that stop in Elmhurst typically take between 30-40 minutes to reach Manha an while the LIRR could arrive at Penn Station in just 15 minutes,” Meng wrote. “Cu ing the morning commute in half for thousands of residents provides an invaluable quality of life improvement for Elmhurst residents while also
alleviating crowds on subways and buses. e station would also make Elmhurst more accessible to other New Yorkers, bringing new customers to the hundreds of small businesses in the area.”
e congresswoman said on Tuesday, “Queens has steadily outpaced New York City’s population growth for decades and one of the ways we must adapt to accommodate such growth is providing residents with
additional modes of accessible public transportation. e Elmhurst stop on the LIRR has been closed for too long, and there is a reason the e ort to get it reopened is reinvigorated so o en; it would provide those in Elmhurst and nearby neighborhoods with a closer, faster, and a more direct commute to help them go about their daily lives. It would also serve as a huge economic boon for the Elmhurst community. I am proud to renew the e ort to reopen the Elmhurst stop on the Port Washington line, and to be supported by many of my government colleagues in the area.”
“As the population in Queens continues to grow, it is extremely important that we provide these people with accessible modes of public transportation,” said State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach). “I join my colleagues in government in calling on the MTA to consider reopening the Elmhurst LIRR station, which would service thousands of residents each day, and provide them with fast and reliable transit options to and from Manha an and other areas of Queens.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. added, “At a time where New Yorkers are being asked to restore their trust in mass transit, we should place much more emphasis on providing equitable transportation access for all communities. We can take a big step in that direction by reopening the Elmhurst LIRR station. I greatly thank Congresswoman Meng for drawing the MTA’s a ention to the need to reopen this station and to continue to address persistent inequities in public transportation.”
City Department of Transportation
Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez on Tuesday announced the release of the updated Vision Zero Borough Pedestrian Action Plans, a detailed report with data on safety progress made at intersections, corridors and areas rst identi ed in 2019’s version of the report.
Covering the past four years since the last update, the report highlights signi cant safety improvements and results as NYC’s pedestrian fatalities plummeted. According to the report, each borough saw dramatic decreases in pedestrian fatalities since the 2019 study period, with a 25 percent drop in Queens; 40 percent in the Bronx; 38 percent in Brooklyn; 45 percent in Manha an; and a 38 percent decline on Staten Island.
e update also identi es 349 new Vision Zero Priority Corridors and Intersections in all ve boroughs.
e update shows signi cant safety improvements were made at previously identi ed locations as NYC’s overall citywide pedestrian fatalities declined by 10 percent between 2014-2021, bucking national trends in which pedestrian fatalities have risen in the same period by over 50 percent—to a fourdecade high. Under the Adams administra-
tion, DOT exceeded its commitment to bring safety improvements to 1,400 intersections in 2022, when pedestrian fatalities declined 4.8 percent, and overall tra c fatalities declined for the rst time in three years.
Rodriguez indicated that DOT continues to focus its resources on Vision Zero Priority Locations (which include corridors, intersections and overall areas) where pedestrian KSI (killed or severely injured) crashes are concentrated. e report highlighted several case studies in each of the boroughs where a
location was identi ed for Vision Zero safety treatments based on KSI numbers and was subsequently improved, including:
• Queens Boulevard from Queens Plaza to Jamaica Avenue, also a 2019 Priority Corridor, had 10 pedestrian fatalities and 6.4 pedestrians killed or severely injured per mile from 2012-2016. e KSI gure declined 36 percent in 2017-2021 with four pedestrians killed and 4.1 pedestrians killed or severely injured. DOT made signi cant upgrades to the corridor in 2021, with a protected bike
lane, painted pedestrian path, new pedestrian crossings and new tra c controls, along with tra c lane removal.
e updated report issued Tuesday also highlights the improvements DOT made during the rst nine years of Vision Zero (2014-2022):
• Nearly 800 Safety Engineering Projects completed
• Over 5,500 Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs) installed
• Over 20 million automated speed camera violations issued
• Nearly 900 Vision Zero Priority locations visited by Vision Zero Street Teams
• Over 3,600 school and senior center visits for safety education in Priority Locations
“Under Vision Zero, we are constantly taking a fresh look at Priority Locations so we can dedicate the necessary resources to the communities, corridors and intersections where fatalities and serious injuries occur,” Rodriguez said. “As we complete that work and follow the data, our list of priority locations changes. Last year, under Mayor Eric Adams, we exceeded our commitments for addressing intersections—and with his leadership and dedication to Vision Zero, we will work every single day to keep pedestrian fatalities on the decline.”
Queens District A orney Melinda Katz announced on ursday that a Brooklyn woman has been convicted by a jury of attempted murder and other charges for the August 2016 poisoning of a Forest Hills woman with sedative-laced cheesecake and then stealing her identi cation and other property.
Nasyrova, 47, was convicted of a empted murder in the second degree, a empted assault in the rst degree, assault in the second degree, unlawful imprisonment in the rst degree and petit larceny.
According to the evidence, on Aug. 28, 2016, Nasyrova visited the Forest Hills home of the victim bearing a gift of cheesecake. At that time, the victim, 35, and Nasyrova resembled one another— both had dark hair, the same skin complexion and other similar physical traits. Additionally, they were both Russian speakers.
e Queens woman ate the dessert given to her by the defendant and a erwards began to feel sick. Before passing out, the woman’s last memory was of seeing the defendant walking around her room. e following day, the victim’s friend discovered
her unconscious in her bed. Later, it was discovered that there were pills sca ered around her body—as if the woman had a empted to kill herself. e victim was taken to a hospital for treatment.
When the woman was discharged from the hospital and returned home, she realized that her passport and employment authorization card were missing, along with a gold ring and other valuables. Law enforcement agents with Homeland Security tested cheesecake residue found in the container and confirmed the sweet treat was laced with Phenazepam, a highly potent sedative. The pills found on the floor
where the victim was discovered were tested by the Drug Enforcement Administration and were confirmed to be Phenazepam, as well.
“ e jury saw through the deception and schemes of the defendant. She laced a slice of cheesecake with a deadly drug so she could steal her unsuspecting victim’s most valuable possession, her identity. Fortunately, her victim survived and the poison led right back to the culprit,” Katz said. “ e defendant deserves to be held accountable for her crime with a long term of incarceration.”
Nasyrova faces up to 25 years in prison.
By Forum Sta
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) led 45 of their colleagues in writing a bicameral letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel urging her to examine an expansion of the languages that wireless carriers must support for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs), in order to help close gaps in critical information delivery for nonEnglish and non-Spanish speaking communities.
WEAs are issued by federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local public alerting authorities to notify the public about severe weather events, AMBER Alerts and other emergencies. In 2016, the FCC published a rule requiring wireless carriers who participate in transmitting WEAs to support Spanish-language alert messages but fell short of mandating other languages. During extreme weather, the ability to receive warnings can save lives. However, for many non-English or nonSpanish speakers, the lack of access to alerts in a language they can understand may lead to missed evacuations, injuries, or even loss of life.
“In times of emergencies, people need to be able to receive alerts in the language that is most accessible to them,” Meng
said. “Currently, the Wireless Emergency Alerts system does not support alerts in languages other than English or Spanish. That is why I am leading an effort, alongside Sen. Gillibrand, to expand the number of languages for WEAs. Queens is the world’s borough with many different languages spoken here. In many homes, English is not the primary language, and having WEAs accessible in more languages would help keep people better protected and informed of severe weather warnings, missing persons alerts, shelter in place orders and other emergency announcements.”
“Language barriers should not be the difference between life and death during an emergency,” said Gillibrand. “Lives are put on the line when you’re not able to communicate crucial information about impending inclement weather events, stay-at-home orders, AMBER alerts, and other emergencies, and I look forward to working with the FCC on this important matter.”
The lawmakers also wrote that as the United States becomes more diverse and cities and regions such as New York City experience growing populations of Asian immigrants, “linguistic barriers faced by this community demonstrate a need for accessible emergency notifications so that
non-English and non-Spanish speaking communities can be prepared for extreme weather events.”
In New York City, most all of the 13 victims who lost their lives from Hurricane Ida’s 2021 floodwaters were immigrants from Asia. Census data indicates that between 26 percent and 78 percent of households in the communities where these people perished speak languages other than English or Spanish at home. There are an estimated 1.3 million New Yorkers who have limited English proficiency and are not Spanish-language speakers.
Jo-Ann Yoo, executive director of the Asian American Federation, said, “I am grateful to Gov. Hochul, who met with the victims of Hurricane Ida who first raised this issue, and to Attorney General James who amplified the language gap problems, and to Sen. Gillibrand and Congresswoman Meng who are leading the charge in Washington, D.C. for this critical change. On behalf of our community, we thank all the members of Congress who have signed onto this letter recognizing the need for language accessibility, especially in lifesaving services such as Wireless Emergency Alerts. This is not just a much-needed matter of representation, but vital one that will save the lives of Asian Americans.”
Mayor Eric Adams and City Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin Kim on Monday hailed the successful rollout of the NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund.
According to the Adams administration, in the three weeks since the fund’s launch, a group of more than 10,500 small businesses from all ve boroughs have submi ed applications for low-interest loans. e fund—made possible by a public-private partnership between the City, Goldman Sachs, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, and local community development nancial institutions (CDFIs)—fullls a goal set forth in Adams’ “Renew, Rebuild, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery” plan.
“Small businesses represent a vision, a unique set of skills, the ful llment of the American Dream, and, just as importantly, key services to New Yorkers. Small businesses kept our city running during the pandemic, and they are leading the way on our economic recovery,” Adams said. “ e unprecedented success of the NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund is a testament to the value of public-private partnership, along with the robust on-the-ground outreach led by Commissioner Kim and his team at SBS. e response to this initiative
is further proof that New York City is not coming back—New York City is back.”
e NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund—the largest public-private loan fund directed at small businesses in the city’s history—launched on Jan. 23. e fund o ers loans of up to $250,000 to eligible small businesses with a market-leading interest rate of four percent, until it reaches $75 million. In the three weeks since its launch,
over 10,500 small businesses throughout the city have submi ed applications through the online portal. Once they are reviewed in the city’s portal, the businesses then work with participating CDFIs to complete their loan applications.
Businesses can sign up to be noti ed of the status of the NYC Small Business Opportunity Loan Fund online.
Businesses looking to access free help
can dial 888-SBS-4NYC or visit SBS’s website.
“When opportunity knocked, more than 10,500 small business owners answered like true New Yorkers — fast,” said Kim. “ is unprecedented positive response is the direct result of robust door-to-door outreach, and historic coordination between eight community development nancial institutions, elected ocials, business associations and grassroots community groups. As we pause intake of applications, our partners are working as quickly as possible to process those in the pipeline and disburse funds to eligible small businesses. is high level of demand demonstrates the importance of designing programs centered on equity, and we stand ready to help all business owners with a full suite of additional free services — including help with permits and violations, commercial leases, hiring workers, and more.”
Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer added, “ e impressive demand for the Opportunity Fund shows that we are delivering the right resources at the right time to small businesses that need them the most. With new businesses and jobs emerging across the city, this injection of funds is just the fuel our businesses need to thrive as we head into spring.”
Queens District A orney Melinda Katz, joined by Mayor Eric Adams and City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell, announced on Tuesday that a two-year investigation into gang violence in and around two Queens public housing developments led to the indictments of 23 alleged members of warring subsets of the Crips street gang, one based in the Astoria Houses, the other in the Woodside Houses.
e defendants were variously charged with conspiracy, a empted murder, reckless endangerment and gun possession in connection with a number of violent incidents, including shootouts in broad daylight on busy streets.
According to the charges, while both groups of individuals are Crips, the Astoria Crips belong to the “Rollin’ Crip” set, the Woodside Crips belong to the “8 Trey Crip” set. In addition to their Crip set, each group also identi es by their rap music group name—Astoria members are the “Hip Hop Boys,” and the Woodside members are the “Tru Cash Ge as.”
Prior to August 2018, the Woodside and Astoria housing development gangs were aligned. e split came on Aug. 4, 2018, when Isiah King of the Woodside Houses assaulted Djuan Price of Astoria Houses over a drug deal. e next day, Djuan Price and his brother, Elijah Price, went to the Woodside Houses development, each
armed with handguns, looking to retaliate.
e Price brothers were unable to locate
in the presence of small children.
For example, On June 14, 2020, at ap -
In an act of retaliation, just one day later, on June 15, 2020, at approximately 7:15 p.m., Astoria gang members Jaheen Stephenson, Tahji Alexander and Delante Aiken walked into the Woodside housing development and red at a group of Woodside gang members who were in the courtyard along with other residents, including several small children. Woodside gang member Devine Moore and an innocent bystander were hit.
Similarly, on Aug. 22, 2020, at approximately 7:38 p.m., Astoria gang members entered the Woodside houses and shot at Woodside gang members Hakeem Jamison and Timothy Brown, who were among the residents and their small children by the playground and on benches. As residents sca ered, including small children on bicycles, Jamison and Brown returned re. Remarkably, no one was injured.
King, but instead found King’s close friend and fellow gang member, Ja vonta Reid, shooting him in the leg.
e feud, fueled by social media and rap videos taunting the opposition, has seen more than 18 acts of gun-related violence.
Numerous crimes charged in this indictment arose out of gun ghts and shootings that took place in broad daylight, o en
proximately 6:35 p.m., in the vicinity of 48-16 Broadway, Woodside gang members Devine Moore and Michael Shepherd emerged from a bodega to confront a passing vehicle they believed to be occupied by a rival gang member. Shepherd lined up his shot standing alongside an ice cream truck where a li le girl danced. She covered her ears from the crack of the gun re.
In addition to shooting in the midst of civilians in broad daylight, this indictment charges multiple incidents where the defendants red guns from the backs of motor scooters. In one such incident, on May 6, 2021, at approximately 9:53 p.m., Astoria gang members Yurhan Palacios and Miguel Tapia rode a scooter onto 31st Avenue and Palacios red onto the sidewalk at Woodside gang member Hakeem Jamison.
“Warring gangs are not just a threat to themselves, but to all of us,” Katz said.
If convicted, the defendants could face up to 25 years in prison.
Queens District A orney Melinda Katz announced on Saturday that a Flushing man has been sentenced to 7.5 years in prison for selling narcotics and a loaded rearm to an undercover o cer in 2021.
Renshan Lin, 37, received an additional 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison, to run concurrently, for possessing a loaded rearm while awaiting sentencing in 2021 case.
Lin pleaded guilty on Sept. 22, 2022 to a empted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree and
criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. While awaiting sentencing, Lin was re-arrested and charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree for having another loaded rearm inside his backpack. He pleaded guilty on Nov. 21.
According to the charges, on Feb. 12, 2021, Lin sold 27.663 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover detective in exchange for cash. Lin proceeded to sell the undercover detective an additional 14.043 grams of methamphetamine on March 12, 2021.
Following the narcotic sales, on March
19, 2021, Lin sold the undercover o cer a loaded .380 auto caliber, semi-automatic pistol with a defaced serial number, along with eight rounds of ammunition.
Lin was arrested on May 25, 2021, by law enforcement o cials in Flushing, at which point an additional .917 ounces of methamphetamine were recovered from his person.
On Sept. 28, 2022, days a er pleading guilty to the charges in the 2021 case, Lin
was found in possession of a loaded .22 Bere a pistol stored in his backpack at the time of an arrest on a separate charge.
“Let this serve as a warning to all those who think they can deal drugs and sell deadly weapons in Queens: You will be prosecuted,” Katz said. “ is defendant, who sold highly addictive methamphetamine and a loaded gun on our streets, will now su er the consequences for his criminal actions.”
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HOWARD BEACH
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Notice of formation of HBJ PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC, a limited liability company. Art of Org. led with the Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/03/2022. O ce located in QUEENS. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to c/o HBJ PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC , 120-19 RIVE CT UNIT 6A, COLLEGE POINT, NY 11356. Purpose: any lawful activity
Da Feng Enterprises LLC, Arts of Org led with SSNY on 01/09/23. O . Loc.: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: e LLC, 166-44 20th Rd, Whitestone NY 11357. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.
Notice of Formation of JJML HOLDINGS I LLC Arts. of Org. led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/30/22. Ofce location: Queens County. Princ. o ce of LLC: Phoenix Management 23 LLC, A n:Joseph Pistilli, 35-01 30th Ave., Ste. 300, Astoria, NY 11103. SSNY designated as agentof LLC upon whom process against it maybe served. SSNY shall mail process to theLLC at the addr. of its princ. o ce. Purpose: Any lawful activity
SPARKLIN CLEANING SERVICES
LLC Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 08/05/22. O ce: 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/o Michael Johnson, 548 51st Avenue, Apartment 3R, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
BULL MINE LLC led Arts. of Org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/5/2006.
O ce: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: e LLC, 52-47 Browvale Ln, Li leneck, NY 11362. Purpose: any lawful act.
HPS CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC. Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 12/05/22. O ce: 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/o Michael Johnson, 548 51st Avenue, Apartment 3R, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
PAWEL SZURNICKI MEDICAL
PLLC, a Prof. LLC. Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 01/13/2023. O ce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: e PLLC, 8005 Woodhaven Blvd, Ridgewood, NY 11385.
Purpose: To Practice e Profession Of Medicine. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of VSTOCKS US LLC. Arts. of Org. led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/16/2023.
O ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Registered Agents Inc., 418 Broadway, STE R, Albany, NY 12207. Purpose: any lawful activity.
Notice of Formation of Al-Barakah Properties LLC. Arts. of Org. led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/17/23.
O ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 8740 165th St, Apt 4N, Jamaica, NY 11432. Purpose: any lawful activity.
Notice of formation of 47TH STREET LLC. Arts of Org led with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/1/23.
O ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to: 22-45 47th St., Astoria, NY 11105. Purpose: any lawful act.
Notice of Formation of GLENDALE
75 PROPERTY, LLC. Arts. of Org. led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/29/22. O ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 60 21 75th Ave., Glendale, NY 11385. Purpose: any lawful activities.
NOTICE OF FORMATION of limited liability company (LLC). Name: MJ-AN, LLC. Articles of Organization led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/24/2023. O ce location: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and address SSNY shall mail a copy of process is 143-07 Cherry Avenue, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
Notice is hereby given that a license No. 1358036 for beer, cider, and wine has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, cider, and wine at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 224-23 Union Turnpike, Oakland Gardens, NY 11364.
5M74 LLC, Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 02/07/2023. O ce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Peter Demertzis, 24-13 26th Street, Apt 1, Astoria, NY 11102. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
ACCU TE RELIABLE TIMELY BOOKKEEPING LLC Arts of Org. led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY)12/19/2022. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to DEBITA SINGH, 1044 130TH AVE APT 4B, JAMAICA, NY, 11434, USA. General Purpose
Notice of Formation of LRH Realty of Amsterdam LLC. Arts. of Org. led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/04/23. O ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Paregt Singh, 11 Allen St., New Hyde Park, NY 11040. Purpose: any lawful activities.
NORTHERN 409 LLC. Arts. of Org. led with the SSNY on 01/31/23. O ce: 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, 14449 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice is hereby given that a license, number 1352447 for liquor, beer & wine has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer & wine at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 150-50 Northern Blvd., Flushing, NY 11354 for on-premises consumption.
Applicant: 50 Bay Inc. DBA Fi y Bay
Russ & E e LLC, Arts of Org. led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 1/6/2023. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 63-55 74th St., Middle Village, NY 11379. General Purpose
UVP COMMUNICATIONS LLC
Arts. of Org. led with SSNY on 11/22/2022 O ce: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail to the LLC, 3418 NORTHERN BLVD. #B20, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY, 11101, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
J&J Maspeth Owner LLC. Arts. of Org. led with SSNY on 02/08/2023 Ofce: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail to the LLC, 57-48 49th Place, Queens, NY 11378. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
HI RANCH IN THE HEART OF HOWARD BEACH. HOME FEATURES 4 BEDROOMS, 3 BATHS, LIVING ROOM, DINING ROOM, EIK. NEW ROOF AND NEW BOILER. 1 CAR GARAGE, LOT SIZE: 40X100, BALCONY OFF PRIMARY BEDROOM, SLIDERS TO DECK AND LARGE BACKYARD.
