THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | MARCH 10, 2022

VOL. 21 • NUMBER 9 • MARCH 10, 2022

ILLEGAL VEHICLE Unlicensed Driver Succumbs to Injuries from South Richmond Hill Wreck

See story on page 2

Cops last week handed out literature at the intersection of 101st Avenue and 115th Street educating the public on the consequences of speeding after an accident that occurred at that location on Feb. 26. The driver in that crash, Michel Marvens, 24, died on Monday. His two passengers have been charged with possession of a weapon after an illegal, loaded gun was discovered in the destroyed Infiniti sedan.

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 9 • MARCH 10 2022 | 1

Brooklyn Man Dies from Injuries Suffered in South Richmond Hill Car Crash

Marvens died on Monday at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

By Michael V. Cusenza A Brooklyn man on Monday succumbed to injuries he incurred when the car he was driving at a high rate of speed on Saturday, Feb. 26 wrapped around a pole at the intersection of 101st Avenue and 115th Street in South Richmond Hill, according to police and the City Department of

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Transportation.

Michel Marvens, 24, died at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

In another development, cops also announced on Monday that an illegal gun was discovered in the wreck—and that Marvens’s two passengers will be charged with possessing the firearm.

According to crash investigators, on

Saturday Feb. 26, at approximately 2:30 a.m., police responded to a 911 call of a car crash in the vicinity of 101st Avenue and 115th Street. Upon arrival, responding officers encountered EMS providing emergency care to Marvens and two 23-year-old men—Dennis Collins and Dariyus Collins—who were involved in the collision. EMS subsequently transported Marvens (vehicle operator) and one of the passengers to JHMC, where Marvens was originally listed in critical condition and the other in stable condition. The additional 23-year-old male was rushed to NY-Presbyterian Hospital Queens, via EMS, in stable condition. The preliminary investigation determined that Marvens was operating a 2011 Infiniti G37 sedan along 101 Avenue when he struck a 2020 Honda Civic which was parked; he then collided with a traffic pole at the intersection of 101 Avenue and 115 Street.

The investigation is ongoing by the City Police Department’s Highway Patrol Collision Investigation Squad.

Before he died, Marvens was charged with criminal possession of a weapon: load-

Photo Courtesy of NYPD

Cops last week handed out literature at the site of the crash to educate the public on the consequences of speeding.

ed firearm, aggravated unlicensed operator of a motor vehicle, license plate violation: improper plates. Both Collinses have been charged with criminal possession of a weapon: loaded firearm.

Howard Beach Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for 2015 Arson

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The victim’s vehicle was completely destroyed by the fire.

By Michael V. Cusenza A reputed associate of the Gambino organized crime family has been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for his involvement in setting a car on fire in Howard Beach in 2015 to extract extortion payments, federal prosecutors recently announced.

The court also ordered Peter Tuccio, 29, a Howard Beach resident, to pay more than $75,000 in restitution. Tuccio pleaded guilty in January 2021 to using fire to commit one or more felonies.

As alleged in court filings, in 2015, a

businessman who had been extorted for years by a captain in the Gambino crime family (referred to in court filings as “CoConspirator 1”), began avoiding CoConspirator 1 in an effort to stop making his annual extortionate payment. On Dec. 3, 2015, Tuccio and his co-conspirators observed the businessman leave a smoke shop in Howard Beach and drive away in his 2014 Mercedes Benz. They followed the businessman at a high rate of speed through the streets of Queens and confronted him outside a pizzeria, where Tuccio asked about Co-Conspirator 1 by name

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Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

“I thank our colleagues at the FBI and the Eastern District of New York for their dedication in helping us hold accountable anyone who commits violence in order to spread fear, especially when it’s in the form of organized crime,” Commissioner Sewell said.

and complimented the businessman’s car.

Tuccio and his co-conspirators schemed to set the businessman’s car on fire as a message to the businessman that he had to continue making payments to Co-Conspirator 1. Later that night, the businessman heard a loud noise and saw that his car was on fire outside of his residence. After the arson, the businessman made additional payments to Co-Conspirator 1.

“The primary mission of the NYPD and our law enforcement partners is to arrest,

prosecute, and send away with meaningful prison sentences those who instill fear in New Yorkers through their criminal actions,” said City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell. “With today’s sentence, the result of our efforts is tangible. I thank our colleagues at the FBI and the Eastern District of New York for their dedication in helping us hold accountable anyone who commits violence in order to spread fear, especially when it’s in the form of organized crime.”

Addabbo Touts Student Safety Bills

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“As a parent of two school-aged children, I know students spend a great deal of their time in school, which is why it’s so important that we enact measures to prioritize the health and well-being of all students,” Sen. Addabbo said.

By Forum Staff The State Senate recently passed a package of three bills aimed at expanding student safety, Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), a co-sponsor of all three pieces of legislation announced Friday.

Legislation S.1019A authorizes schools to have asthma rescue medications on campus for use during a medical emergency. Over 145,000 students in NYC have a known diagnosis of asthma and over 21,000 students had an asthma attack in 2016. Schools currently require Medication Administration Forms (MAF) to dispense most types of medication, including albuterol and other asthma rescue medications. Parents or guardians must take their children to a primary care provider for an examination, which may be challenging for those who cannot take time away from work, do not have adequate childcare, or can’t afford to pay for the examination. Only 25% of students have a MAF on file so students in need of emergency medications during the school day, are unable to receive appropriate care potentially leading to a much more critical or deadly situation.

Another bill S.4650 allows unlicensed personnel to administer seizure rescue medications. According to the Department of Health, it’s estimated that 180,000 New Yorkers have epilepsy and approximately 1 in 10 diagnosed individuals will have a seizure in their lifetime.

An individual prone to seizures has no control over when and where they will occur. Students spend many hours every weekday on school grounds whether in the classroom, doing extracurricular activities, or on a school bus, so this

legislation would allow schools that have an enrolled student with epilepsy to train their staff with the skills to administer lifesaving medication. Nasal sprays are the easiest for unlicensed individuals to administer during an emergency.

The Epilepsy Foundation and their local affiliates offer training for school personnel, but that is no substitute for being able to use a lifesaving medication when immediate treatment is critical.

Legislation S.973 requires nonpublic schools to follow the same rules and regulations as public schools regarding a student who suffers a concussion. In 2011, NYS passed the Concussion Management and Awareness Act (Chapter 496 of 2011), requiring that any students that have or may have suffered a concussion be removed from athletic activities, and only return to athletics after written authorization from a licensed physician.

“As a parent of two school-aged children, I know students spend a great deal of their time in school, which is why it’s so important that we enact measures to prioritize the health and well-being of all students,” Addabbo said. “This package of bills will give students and their parents peace of mind by providing school personnel with the authority and resources to respond in unpredictable, emergency health situations. These legislative measures are essential to providing a safer, less stressful, learning environment. Each of these bills will allow schools to help a student in an emergency and provide liability protection to school districts making every effort to help their students.”

After passing the Senate, the bills were delivered to the Assembly for consideration.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 9 • MARCH 10 2022 | 3

Jamaica Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Wild South Ozone Park Stab Attack

Harry, 40, was sentenced on Thursday to two decades in prison.

By Forum Staff A Jamaica man has been sentenced to two decades in prison for stabbing two men inside a residential garage in South Ozone Park in September 2017, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Friday.

Terrence Harry, 40, was found guilty in November 2021 of attempted murder in the second degree following a two-week-long bench

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/Blogtrepreneur

trial before Queens Supreme Court Justice Michelle Johnson. Johnson on Thursday sentenced Harry to 20 years in prison, to be followed by five years’ post-release supervision.

According to trial testimony, on Sept.

23, 2017, at approximately 12:50 p.m., Harry was inside the residential garage with the homeowner and another man. Harry, without provocation, began yelling and without provocation pulled out a knife and stabbed

4 MARCH 10, 2022 • Number 9 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

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“The court has ordered the defendant to prison with a sentence that hopefully provides a measure of justice to his victims,” DA Katz said.

the 39-year-old man in the neck. Witnessing this attack, the homeowner tried to intervene and grabbed Harry. That’s when Harry turned on the 46-year-old homeowner, who tried to move away but was stabbed once in the back. Harry fled the scene immediately after the attack.

The homeowner’s friend underwent emergency surgery to repair a severed branch of his carotid artery and stabilize his

collapsing trachea. He also sustained a collapsed lung in the knife attack. The homeowner required multiple staples to close a puncture wound to his back.

“The defendant’s unprovoked knife attack could have ended the lives of the two victims,” Katz said. “The court has ordered the defendant to prison with a sentence that hopefully provides a measure of justice to his victims.”

Cops Probe Church Statue Theft Attempt

Courtesy of Diocese of Brooklyn

Surveillance video shows the man entering the gate, lifting the statue over his shoulder, and exiting the property.

By Forum Staff Detectives are still investigating last weekend’s attempted burglary at St. Gerard Majella in Hollis, according to the Diocese of Brooklyn.

On Sunday morning, a man tried to steal the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the lawn outside the parish rectory, removing the Marian figure from the grotto. Surveillance video shows the man entering the gate, lifting the statue over his shoulder, and exiting the property.

The video then shows him throwing the statue back into the rectory garden moments later after a neighbor and motion light deterred him. There was no damage to the statue.

“Sunday morning, as we started opening up the church to welcome people to

pray in a special way for peace in the world, and blessings during this Lenten season, a disturbed person attempted to steal our welcoming statue of Mother Mary. Thankfully, due to our good neighbors in Hollis, this person did not succeed. This incident is sad, and a bit scary, but is a lesson for all of us that even in those dark and frightening moments God is protecting us. The light of Easter will always shine on us and Mother Mary will always guide us as individuals and as a community,” said the Rev. Josephjude C. Gannon, pastor of St. Gerard Majella.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also text their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All correspondences are strictly confidential.

St. Gerard Majella is located at 188-16 91st Ave. in Hollis.

The Pharmacist’s Corner

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

SIGNS OF MELANOMA: What You Should to Look For No doubt we are all thrilled that the summer is on the near horizon. No doubt we will all be happily flocking backyard pools and to the beaches. But in any case we'd like to take this opportunity to remind you that while the sunshine provides us with a backdrop for many wonderful activities to enjoy, it also brings along a danger we have to watch out for. Melanoma.

The most dangerous form of skin cancer, melanomas develop when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds) triggers mutations (genetic defects) that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. Most times, melanomas re¬semble moles; some develop from moles. Most are black or brown, but they can also be skin-colored, pink, red, purple, blue or white. Mela¬noma is caused mainly by intense, occasional UV exposure. Melanoma kills an estimated 10,130 people in the US annually.

The bright side of this condition is if mela¬noma is caught early it's almost always curable, but if left unattended, the cancer can advance, spread be fatal.

Even if you carefully practice sun safety all summer, continue being vigilant about your skin throughout the year. Examine your skin

head-to-toe once a month, looking for any sus¬picious lesions. Self-exams can help you iden¬tify potential skin cancers early.

You obviously need to know what you're looking for. As a general rule, to spot either melanomas or non-melanoma skin cancers (such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma), take note of any new moles or growths, and any existing growths that begin to grow or change significantly in any other way. Lesions that change, itch, bleed, or don't heal are also alarm signals.

Prevention is the best medicine and mela¬noma is no exception. Seek the shade, between 10 AM and 4 PM. Don't get burned. Never use UV tanning beds. Cover up with clothing, hats and sunglasses. Use a broad spectrum sun¬screen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going out¬side.

Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming. Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months. See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

Stay safe. Have fun and ask your local pharmacist what they have to help protect you from the sun!

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.

Sanitation Tackles Illegal Dumping Site As a result of being notified of a severe dumping condition along 155th Avenue in Old Howard Beach, Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) this week immediately contacted the City Department of Sanitation for the removal of debris and tires.

At least one resident whose house is on a block that runs perpendicular to 155th Street praised the cleanup, noting that the “disgusting conditions” have been a staple on the road for years.

“It rivals the filth of 165th Avenue because they are the end avenues and people abuse them,” the neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous, posited.

“Keeping our district clean is a priority! Our office has been working with community residents to identify chronic dumping areas so they can be cleaned,” Ariola said. “Thank you to the Department of Sanitation for the quick response to our complaints.”

Courtesy of Diocese of Brooklyn

The would-be thief returned and tossed the statue back into the rectory garden moments later after a neighbor and motion light deterred him.

Photo Courtesy of Karen McCabe/HB 11414

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 9 • MARCH 10 2022 | 5

U.S. Files Enforcement Action to Stop Marketing of Herbal Tea Product Promoted as COVID Treatment

Courtesy of U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of

Online ads promoting Earth Tea.

New York

By Forum Staff The Brooklyn U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice, Consumer Protection Branch, together with the Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration, on Thursday announced a civil enforcement action against B4B Earth Tea LLC, B4B Corp., and Andrew Martin Sinclair for alleged violations of the CO-

VID-19 Consumer Protection Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. According to a complaint filed in federal court in Brooklyn, the defendants advertised that their herbal tea product, Earth Tea, could prevent or treat COVID-19. For example, the defendants allegedly advertised on social media that Earth Tea is the “most effective [t]reatment against” COVID-19, that it “works within minutes” and will enable consumers to “get out of quarantine within 24 hours guaranteed.” The defendants had no competent or reliable scientific evidence to support those claims.

Further, the defendants allegedly made deceptive statements about a purported scientific study to bolster their unproven COVID-19 claims. The complaint also alleges that Earth Tea is an unapproved new drug that the defendants are selling in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The complaint seeks civil penalties, as well as a permanent injunction to stop the defendants from continuing their unlawful marketing and sales of Earth Tea. The COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act, passed by Congress in December 2020,

mitigation, or diagnosis of COVID-19. Persons who violate the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act may be subject to civil penalties, injunctive relief, and other remedies available under the FTC Act. The complaint also alleges violations of the FTC Act, which prohibits unfair and deceptive conduct and false advertising.

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act provides that a product is an unapproved new drug if it is intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease in humans but is not generally recognized as safe and effective for its intended uses and is not the subject of an FDA approval. Remedies for violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act include injunctive relief.

“COVID-19 has tragically claimed nearly one million lives in this country and close to six million lives worldwide,” said Brooklyn Photo Courtesy of U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern U.S. Attorney Breon Peace. “Unfortunately, District of New York there are too many people who are taking “We will not tolerate attempts to make a dishonest advantage of this crisis by pushing alleged dollar while putting our communities at risk during a pandemic,” Peace said. treatment products that are nothing more than snake oil. We will not tolerate attempts prohibits deceptive acts or practices associ- to make a dishonest dollar while putting our ated with the treatment, cure, prevention, communities at risk during a pandemic.”

Far Rockaway Man Sentenced to up to Life in Prison for ‘Sandy Slay’ mer. Rucker died as a result of blunt force trauma and compression to his chest.

According to trial testimony, Aycock then made attempts to dismember Rucker’s body. There were post-mortem lacerations to the victim’s wrist, and his left thigh had a gaping cut that went all the way to the bone.

The body was bound with a very distinctive patterned cloth, stuffed in a garbage bag, and buried on the beach.

On Nov. 15, 2012, according to trial testimony, workers with the City Department of Parks were clearing the beach of storm debris in the vicinity of Beach 13th Street in Far Rockaway. That’s when workers saw a pair of blue shorts and an elbow protruding out of the sand and discovered Rucker’s remains.

According to trial testimony, police executed a court-authorized search warrant

of Aycock’s home where they recovered a knife with the victim’s blood on it. A saw was also discovered with the victim’s blood on it, and the teeth of the saw were forensically matched to the deep thigh wound of the victim. A bed sheet with the same distinctive pattern as the cloth used to bind the victim was also found in the home.

Aycock, however, was not apprehended until approximately seven years later when he told a friend that he had killed someone and gave detailed information about the homicide. That friend contacted cops.

“After so many years, the defendant may have thought he had gotten away with murder, but investigators and prosecutors never relented and today a judge sentenced him to a lengthy term of incarceration as a measure of justice for this brutal crime,” Katz said.

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City workers discovered Rucker’s remains while clearing Rockaway Beach of storm debris a couple of weeks after Superstorm Sandy touched down in NYC.

By Forum Staff A Far Rockaway man has been sentenced to up to life in prison for murdering his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend in 2012, a week after Superstorm Sandy hit the city, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Tuesday.

Thyron Aycock, 48, was found guilty of murder in the second degree last month following a jury trial. Queens Supreme

Court Justice Cassandra Mullen sentenced Aycock to 25 years-to-life in prison.

According to trial records, Aycock lived with his girlfriend and her ex-boyfriend— Shawn Rucker—in Far Rockaway. Between Nov. 5 and Nov. 7 of 2012, Aycock insisted that Rucker move out of the shared residence. An argument ensued between the two men and escalated to a physical alterCourtesy of DA Katz cation. Aycock struck the 32-year-old man DA Katz said that Aycock “may have thought he had gotten away with murder, but investigators and prosecutors at least eight times in the head with a ham-

6 MARCH 10, 2022 • Number 9 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

never relented” in Rucker’s case.

Pastor Stephen Roser Howard Beach Assembly of God

This brutally-cold winter has accomplished at least one good thing: all of us are more grateful for abovefreezing temperature. I have actually found myself thanking God for 35 weather.

Such little bright spots help to make life’s journey easier, and their ordinary nature might obscure the fact that they can be traced back to the grace of God. Even the encouraging word of a friend can help to ease our burden. After we have lived a while, we can truthfully sing the second verse of Amazing Grace: “Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come. ‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far…”

God ministers grace in one form or another to us every day because our need changes every day. Do the battles of life threaten to defeat us?

God gives persevering grace. Does a sin burden us with guilt? God extends forgiving grace. Does the workload become too heavy? God gives strengthening grace. Do repetitious duties bore? God gives refreshing grace. God is a great reservoir of grace in all its manifestations, and the endless supply assures us of a safe arrival at our heavenly home.

God is not the coward’s excuse but the brave man’s hope! I do not serve God to escape going to hell, but because I know that an indescribably glorious future awaits me in heaven. One day my journey will be complete, and I can rejoice along with the Apostle Paul who declared, “I am convinced that neither the present, nor the future, nor anything else, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord!”

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 9 • MARCH 10 2022 | 7

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Gillibrand, Schumer Push for Boost in Cybersecurity Funding as Russia Cyber Attacks Threaten NY

By Michael V. Cusenza Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) recently pushed for a significant increase in cybersecurity funding to help New York State combat the threat of Russian cyber attacks.

Given the increased threat to New York from Russian cyber attacks, Schumer and Gillibrand sent a letter to Senate Appropriations Committee leadership pushing for an significant increase in cybersecurity funding for the Multi-State Information Sharing & Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) program, a successful example of a partnership-based approach to building cybersecurity resilience and coordination between federal, state and local entities. The MS-ISAC program was funded for FY21 at $27.014 million and Schumer and Gillibrand are pushing to increase funding for this program.

In 2010, the Department of Homeland Security designated the MS-ISAC as the focal point for cyber threat prevention, protection, response, and recovery for the nation’s state, local, territorial, and tribal (SLTT) governments as well as Fusion Centers. The MS-ISAC is used by all 56 states and territories and more than 12,500 other local governments to receive up-todate information on and analysis of cyber threats. Additionally, the Center for Internet Security, which houses the MS-ISAC,

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“Countries are increasing their use of cyber operations as a projection of national power,” Schumer and Gillibrand wrote.

also houses the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing & Analysis Center (EIISAC), which provides election systems professionals with a full cyber-defense suite of hardware, software, and expertise to fend off the threat of foreign interference. “[T]he 2021 National Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community outlines that cyber threats from China, Russia, North Korea and Iran will remain acute and, ‘are demonstrably intertwined with threats to our infrastructure and to

the foreign malign influence threats against our democracy.’ Countries are increasing their use of cyber operations as a projection of national power,” Schumer and Gillibrand wrote. “This is playing out as part of a Russian hybrid approach in Ukraine, in Iranian attacks on Israeli water sanitation facilities, and China’s focus on compromising telecommunications and other critical infrastructure around the world. In New York, hackers penetrated the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s computer

2. Software Updates • Update your devices ASAP • Accept updates for your devices, software, and apps as soon as they are available to make sure you have the latest security updates installed.

3. Stay Vigilant • Be vigilant, be suspicious • Most cyber attackers don't hack into your accounts — they try to trick you into letting them in. Be suspicious of emails and DMs like those that ask you to click links, promise free stuff, or make urgent demands or threats.

“In our investigations we learn the same lesson over and over,” Miller said.

“More than what you use for virus protection, more than who you use as your internet provider, what you do to protect yourself with good internet hygiene and practices will make the real difference in the security of your system at home or at work.”

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office Gillibrand added, “Following the “[W]hat you do to protect yourself with good internet hygiene and practices will make the real difference in the sanctions that the U.S. and our allies security of your system at home or at work,” Deputy Commissioner Miller said. have levied on Russia, there is an inCounterterrorism John Miller, and City generated by an app. So even if hackers steal creased risk that Russia will carry out Comptroller Brad Lander, the three ‘S’es of your password, they won't be able to log in retaliatory cyber attacks, particularly against New York State infrastructure without that code! cyber safety are: • Don’t forget social media! Pro- and individuals. We must act quickly 1. Secure your Accounts • Use a strong password. (“pass- tecting your banking, retirement, invest- to strengthen our cyber defenses to ment, and work accounts is important, but counter any unwarranted Russian agword” is not a strong password.)

• Use a different password for each don't forget to protect your social media gression. I urge New York residents to accounts too! Hacked accounts are used to practice proper cyber safety: secure account.

• Turn on two-factor authentica- send spam, scam your friends and family, your accounts, update software and stay tion. This security feature requires you to and spread disinformation for foreign gov- vigilant. That is the best way to defend against cyber attacks.” enter a login code sent by text message or ernments.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 9 • MARCH 10 2022 | 9

Officials Urge NYers to Protect Themselves from Russian Cyberattacks

By Forum Staff

City officials and pols on Monday provided guidance to New Yorkers on how to protect themselves from potential Russian cyber attacks.

Given New York’s role as the economic engine and financial center of the United States, New Yorkers face an increased risk of cyber attacks from Russia, which officials have warned may seek to retaliate for the crushing sanctions imposed on it by the U.S. and its allies.

“As the U.S. capital of finance, media, and culture, New York City requires a unified, comprehensive defense against constant cyber threats to critical infrastructure and essential services,” said City Chief Technology Officer Matthew Fraser. “This was true before this period of heightened sensitivity and it’s especially true now. In this historic hour of peril and uncertainty, I am proud to partner with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a staunch advocate for public and private cyber defense on the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. I look forward to working with Sen. Gillibrand closely in the future to protect New Yorkers from the destabilizing impacts of cyberattacks.”

According to Fraser, Gillibrand, NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and

systems as well as the New York Law Department. Cybersecurity and ransomware threats, especially for state, local, territorial, and tribal governments, have been increasing in volume and magnitude for years and they need assistance to combat this threat and this is another area where MS-ISAC can serve well.”

“Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. and our allies have leveled severe sanctions against Russia, which has increased the risk of retaliatory cyber attacks, particularly against New York State infrastructure and individuals,” Gillibrand said. “It is critical that we boost funding to protect New York State and the country from cyber threats from Russia. The United States must act quickly to strengthen our cyber defenses to meet this unwarranted and unprovoked Russian aggression.”

Schumer added, “Protecting our government, our businesses, critical infrastructure, and our utilities from cyberattack has assumed even greater importance with Putin’s unjustified aggression in Ukraine and recklessly threatening cyberattacks throughout the world. That’s why we are pushing for increased funding to the Center for Internet Security’s Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC)—a New York based national leader in building cybersecurity resilience and coordination between federal, state, and local entities.”

Four Borough Residents Charged with Owning ‘Ghost’ Gun Arsenals

By Forum Staff Four borough residents have been arrested stemming from the seizure of dozens of firearms, including 27 “ghost” guns, assault weapons, firearm accessories, thousands of rounds of ammunition and other items recovered during raids in Bayside Terrace and Auburndale, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Thursday.

Andrew Chang, 34, Kai Zhao, 45, Michael Frankenfeld, 55, and Seongwoo Chung, 35, have been charged with criminal possession of a weapon, criminal sale of a firearm and other crimes after caches of illegal weapons were allegedly found in their homes.

Following a long-term investigation that utilized various surveillance techniques and intelligence gathering and state-of-the-art data analytics, the NYPD’s Major Case Field Intelligence Team along with members of the Queens District Attorney’s Detective Bureau executed court-authorized search warrants on four residences last Tuesday morning. The investigation focused on individuals who were purchasing polymer-based firearm components—parts that do not include any serial numbers—that can be easily assembled into operable firearms. These weapons known as “ghost” guns are untraceable, easy to acquire and assemble, and circumvent any and all background check requirements.

Last Tuesday, investigators executed the search warrants at the two Bayside Terrace

Thirty-three total illegal firearms were seized from the four residences.

residences of Chang. Police also raided the Auburndale home of Zhao and Frankenfeld, as well as the apartment of Chung, who also lives in Auburndale.

The searches resulted in the seizure of the following: • 33 total firearms, 27 of which were “ghost” guns, including: 22 semi-automatic ghost gun pistols, 4 ghost gun assault weapons, and 1 ghost gun assault shotgun • 78 large capacity magazines capa-

Photo Courtesy of DA Katz

ble of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition, many of which could hold up to 30 rounds • 16 additional complete polymerbased lower receivers • Approximately 10,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibers • Firearm accessories including silencers, holographic sights, bullet proof vests and a nighttime laser targeting system • Several firearm-related compo-

nents, parts, and equipment for assembling and manufacturing “ghost” guns • More than $50,000 cash.

DA Katz said all four defendants do not have licenses to own or possess firearms in New York City.

If convicted, Chang and Chung face up to 15 years in prison; Frankenfeld and Zhao face up to 25 years in prison.

“This case, and the dozens of guns, component parts, and ammunition seized as part of it, show once again that the proliferation of illegal ghost guns is not a passing fad but a continuing scourge against our citizens, our City, our way of life. These guns, often ordered online and shipped to New York City, shoot real bullets that victimize New Yorkers,” said City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell.

“But our joint, intelligence-driven focus on interrupting the supply chains for these weapons, and keeping them from hitting the streets, is intensifying thanks to the strong partnership between the NYPD, our Major Case Field Intelligence Team, and the office of the Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and her prosecutors who remain relentless in pursuing these important investigations and ensuring safety for all.”

Since August, there have been a total of five ghost gun takedowns in Queens—in addition to Tuesday’s takedown, there were two in Richmond Hill, one in Hollis, one in Rosedale, one in Fresh Meadows—with a total of 10 defendants charged.

Toys for Tots Distributes Record-Breaking Amount of Toys, Books, Games in 2021 and games to nearly 8.8 million needy children in 2021, the Marine Toys for Tots The Toys for Tots program distributed Foundation announced Tuesday.

Associated with the holiday giving seaan unprecedented 22.4 million toys, books, son for decades, the program now provides year-round support to families in need.

On April 19, 2021, Toys for Tots announced the expansion of their year-round efforts to provide hope to those less fortunate with plans for another special gift distribution to children in need. During the summer of 2021, Toys for Tots provided a million educational toys, books, and games to the children of COVID-19 impacted families. While all hoped the pandemic would be in rearview mirrors by now, the program also recognized that the emotional and educational impact it’s had on children will be long lasting. Less fortunate children likely suffered the greatest learning loss by not being able to attend inperson classroom instruction, so Toys for Tots provided toys and books that teach to help them overcome a growing educational Photo Courtesy of Toys for Tots gap and stimulate their young minds.

Toys for Tots is the U.S. Marine Corps’ premiere Toys for Tots’ initiatives in 2021 also

By Forum Staff

community action program.

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included providing comfort and relief to families in need during uncertain and unstable times outside of the holiday season.

The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program provided toys, books, and other gifts to nearly 17,000 children on the Afghanistan refugee families who have been granted asylum in the United States. As these families adjusted to their new lives in America, Toys for Tots provided hope and comfort to their children. As its mission continues to expand, the program also stood ready to respond in emergency situations. Toys for Tots provided support with the distribution of toys, books, and other gifts to the families of Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee that were impacted by tornados in 2021.

Despite the ongoing challenges from the pandemic, the Marines and local campaign coordinators of the Marine Toys for Tots Program rose to the occasion and established over 830 local toy collection and distribution campaigns in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam,

and the Virgin Islands. Program coordinators were very innovative about how they collected and distributed toys, and they achieved tremendous milestones in 2021.

The American public, as well as a record number of organizations serving as national corporate sponsors, answered the foundation’s call to action and made significant donations allowing the Foundation to augment local toy drives with over 10 million toys valued at over $82 million.

The support the foundation received from the American public and corporate sponsors enabled the foundation to distribute an 22.4 million toys, books, and games to nearly 9 million children in need.

“Toys for Tots is more than a Christmas charity,” said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), president and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “We have the ability to extend our reach and provide support to families who are facing tremendous year-round challenges, and Toys for Tots stands ready to assist when children and families need help the most.”

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Legal Notices Notice of Formation of DELMONICO MANAGEMENT CO LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/17/21. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Michael Esposito, 30-15 35th Ave., Long Island City, NY 11106.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

PANDAYO NY LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 1/27/22. 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 RACHEL JARVINA ELAZEGUI, 83-45 VIETOR AVENUE APT. 5E, ELMHURST, NY, 11373, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

MIPPI LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 1/26/22. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 21-34 45th Rd Apt 12 Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LLC, MR 1 REALTY, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/16/21. 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 203, ASTORIA, NEW YORK, 1103. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

ADEMOLA RN & MIDWIFERY PLLC, a Prof. LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/28/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 137-47 234th St, Rosedale, NY 11422. Purpose: To Practice The Profession Of Registered Professional Nursing and Midwifery.

35-18 97 LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/03/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 35-18 97 LLC, 1059 BRINSMADE AVE, BRONX, NY, 10465, USA. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation: Jiejie Realty LLC Art. Of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/20/2017. Office Loc: QUEENS COUNTY. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 9-24 129th Street, College Point, NY, 11356. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

DIVERSE DETAIL ASSOCIATES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/21/21. 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 DIVERSE DENTAL ASSOCIATES, 109 10 QUEENS BLVD, APT 1D, FOREST HILLS. NY, 11375 USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of WOK N’ STAPLE LLC, a domestic LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/14/2022. Office location: Queens.

SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: 136-31 41ST AVENUE SUITE 5A, FLUSHING, NY, UNITED STATES, 11355 .

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Parsons One Capital LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 1/18/2022. Cty: Queens.

SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 142-38 37th Ave., #12B, Flushing, NY 11354. General Purpose.

Tywit Group LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 02/07/22. Off. 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: The LLC, 4923 Cloverdale Blvd, Oakland Garden, NY 11364. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of Tangram Hotel Team LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/14/22. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 39-16 Prince St., #11B, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: any lawful activities.

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QUANTAM BRICKS LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 01/06/22. Off. 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: QUANTAM BRICKS LLC, 9753 85TH STREET, OZONE PARK, NY, 11416 USA. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

FARRINGTON 3354 LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/18/21.

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, 3354 Farrington Street, #3A, Flushing, NY 11354. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

WHS 163, LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 02/09/22. Office Location: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 41-28 Haight St #1A, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of SOS ENDEAVORS LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/28/21. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Legalinc Corporate Services Inc., 1967 Wehrle Dr., Ste. 1 #086, Buffalo, NY 14221. Purpose: any lawful activities.

GLENDALE RE HOLDING LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/18/22. 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, 61-04 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

CIMPLY, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/13/22. 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, 8 THE GREEN, STE B, DOVER, DE, 19901, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

URBAN FOUNDATION CONTRACTORS, LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/28/2022. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 32-33 111th Street, East Elmhurst, NY 11369. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

JD INNOVATIVE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/09/21. 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 JODENS DESVARIEUX, 143-33, 253RD ROAD, ROSEDALE, NY 11422, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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