THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | NOVEMBER 4, 2021

VOL. 21 • NUMBER 24 • NOVEMBER 4, 2021

JO RULES!

Ariola Cruises to Historic Election Night Victory, Becoming First Woman to Lead Council District 32

See Story on Page 6

City Councilwoman-elect Joann Ariola, flanked by Councilmen Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) and Bob Holden (D-Middle Village), is all smiles Tuesday night at Russo’s on the Bay as she celebrates her win over Democrat Felicia Singh.

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

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HOWARD BEACH HALLOWEEN

Kudos to the Kurz family of Howard Beach for putting together what we think was the best overall Halloween Experience in the neighborhood. George, Enza, Anabella and George Jr. created a street side graveyard complete with lights, sound and fog, where visitors from the neighborhood and surrounding areas could be seen lined up to enjoy all the gory details.

The fully costumed Kurz family finished up the holiday by hosting a Trick-or-Treat extravaganza for crowds of thrilled Trick of Treaters which even featured McDonalds! What can we say…some people really know how to throw a party. Thanks to the Kurz’ for showing us what community is all about!

Halloween was in full swing in Howard Beach with the Haunt & Treat sponsored by the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic and the Halloween Parade sponsored by the Howard Beach Kiwanis.

ABOVE: The Lynch-Reyes family came out in full force to enjoy the Haunt and Treat picking up some treats from Councilmemberelect Joann Ariola.

L: Howard Beacher Antonella Comella Zaramian still remembers her times at the parade as a child, now she brings along son Christian 4, and introduce’s little sister Eliana to her first Halloween!

R: Hundreds of costumed participants along with parents, grandparents and friends attended the beloved howard Beach Halloween Parade hosted every year by the HB Kiwanis. Great job guys! See you next year.

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Ex-106th Pct. Cop Gets 4 Years for Hit Plot

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York

An FBI agent, posing as the hitman, sent a text message to DiRubba, which included a photograph of Carvalho appearing dead in his car, and a demand for an additional $3,000 to kill DiRubba’s daughter.

By Michael V. Cusenza Disgraced former 106th Precinct Police Officer Valerie Cincinelli was sentenced on Friday to four years in federal prison after pleading guilty earlier this year to a single count of obstruction of justice in a wild case that saw her charged with scheming to employ a hitman to murder her estranged husband and the minor daughter of her boyfriend.

According to the original charging papers, an FBI investigation revealed that in 2019, Cincinelli demanded that her boyfriend, Howard Beach resident John DiRubba, hire a hitman to murder Cincinelli’s estranged husband, Isaiah Carvalho, Jr., and DiRubba’s then 14-year-old daughter, who resides in New Jersey.

DiRubba, 54, turned to the feds for help. Between February 2019 and the present, according to authorities, Cincinelli and DiRubba discussed the murder-for-hire plot both in person, as well as in communications over cell phones; some of said conversations were consensually recorded at the direction of FBI agents. During those conversations, Cincinelli allegedly made it known in no uncertain terms that she wanted Carvalho and the kid dead.

DiRubba told Cincinelli that he knew someone who would kill both of them for $7,000. According to prosecutors, on or about Feb. 18, Cincinelli made a cash withdrawal of $7,000 from a TD Bank branch in Wantagh, L.I., to pay “the hitman.” Bank records confirm the cash withdrawal. Then, Cincinelli gave $7,000 in cash DiRubba to give to the hitman in payment for the murders.

According to federal officials, at the direction of FBI agents, Cincinelli was notified in person at her home that Carvalho had been murdered. DiRubba was with Cincinelli at the time of the notification,

outfitted with a recording device at the direction of law enforcement. Almost immediately after the Suffolk County detective left Oceanside, Cincinelli began to discussed her alibi—specifically, what she would tell the police if she were to be questioned about Carvalho’s death.

Then, around 35 minutes later, an FBI agent, posing as the hitman, sent a text message to DiRubba, which included a photograph of Carvalho appearing dead in his car, and a demand for an additional $3,000 to kill DiRubba’s daughter. In response, Cincinelli instructed her boyfriend to delete the text messages and photographs, citing her fear that law enforcement could subpoena the phone.

In the government’s sentencing memo, prosecutors requested that Cincinelli be sentenced to at least five years in prison. In the 15-page memo, prosecutors wrote that the evidence “makes clear that Cincinelli was, at all relevant times, an active and willing participant in the murder-for-hire scheme. And despite her numerous and repeated protestations to the contrary, responsibility for Cincinelli’s words and actions cannot lie with Dirubba, his daughter or Carvalho. It is the defendant’s voice on the recordings, concocting specific plans for the killings and elaborate alibis to throw her fellow police officers off her proverbial scent. It was the defendant who repeated for those officers a rehearsed explanation for Carvalho’s murder. It was the defendant who Googled the impact Carvalho’s murder would have on her pension. And it was the defendant who studied the comings and goings of Dirubba’s 13-year-old daughter on social media. It was the defendant who, in desperate effort to avoid arrest, destroyed incriminating evidence. Ultimately, it is the defendant— not Dirubba, Carvalho or anyone else—who must face the consequences.”

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 24 • NOVEMBER 4 2021 | 3

Bronx Man Sentenced to up to Life in Prison for 2016 South Richmond Hill Home-Invasion Murder two others. Pichardo’s co-defendant Khalil Moses, who was armed with a knife, fought with Mr. Ventura and stabbed him numerous times in the back and thigh. Mr. Ventura died as a result of the stab wounds.

Moses pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the first degree and was sentenced to 21 years in prison in September 2020. Pichardo’s brother, John Pichardo, pleaded guilty to burglary in the first degree and was sen-

tenced in July 2020 to 15 years in prison.

The cases against the fourth and fifth defendants are pending.

“The victim in this case was in the wrong place at the wrong time, just playing video games at a friend’s house, when he was fatally attacked. Following the court’s sentence, the defendant will spend a lengthy term incarcerated for this brutal act of violence,” Katz said.

Photo Courtesy of Google

Pichardo and his co-defendants had been told by a woman that the occupant of the 110th Street home was a friend of her ex-boyfriend, and that they could find Xanax pills, marijuana and cash inside.

By Forum Staff A Bronx resident has been sentenced to up to life in prison for his participation in a botched South Richmond Hill home invasion in 2016 that resulted in the death of a 20-year-old man, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz recently announced.

Jose Pichardo, 27, was convicted last month of murder in the second degree and two counts of burglary in the first degree.

Last week, Pichardo was sentenced to 18 years to life in prison on the murder charge

and 10 years in prison on each burglary count, which will run concurrently, to be followed by five years’ post-release supervision.

According to trial records, at approximately 2 a.m. on Nov. 30, 2016, Pichardo entered a home on 110th Street in South Richmond Hill with three others. The defendants had been told by a fifth co-defendant that the occupant of the home was a friend of her ex-boyfriend and that they could find Xanax pills, marijuana and cash inside.

File Photo The defendants found Eddie Ventura, “The victim in this case was in the wrong place at the wrong time, just playing video games at a friend’s house, when 20, in a bedroom playing video games with he was fatally attacked,” DA Katz said.

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Hochul Signs Law Cracking Down on Noisy Cars

Photo Courtesy of Kevin Coughlin/Office of the Governor

Governor Hochul on Friday signed the Stop Loud and Excessive Exhaust Pollution Act into law.

By Michael V. Cusenza Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday signed legislation that increases penalties against motorists and repair shops that illegally modify mufflers and exhaust systems to make them excessively noisy—an act associated with aggressive driving that harms community health, safety and comfort.

The Stop Loud and Excessive Exhaust Pollution (SLEEP) Act amends vehicle and traffic law, increasing fines and penalties and creating stricter regulations on vehicle equipment. Maximum fines for installing illegal equipment will be raised to $1,000, an $850 increase. Inspection stations will also be required to inspect motorcycles to ensure mufflers and exhausts have not been illegally modified.

With an increasing number of drivers making muffler and exhaust system modifications that increase noise and pollution levels, the legislation will protect both public health and the environment, Hochul noted.

The new law not only creates a deterrent for vehicle owners to make these modifications with the newly increased fines, but it also deters repair shop owners from making these modifications. If repair shop owners willfully violate this legislation and install illegal vehicle equipment three times within 18

months, they risk losing their certificate of inspection stations and operating certificate.

These measures will help prevent dangerous noise levels that can damage bystanders’ hearing, as well as decrease harmful emissions being released, according to the governor.

“Today, residents across the state can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they won’t be kept up at night by excessively loud mufflers and exhaust systems. This is a quality of life and public safety issue that plagues our community for no logical reason other than to simply make noise. Now that the SLEEP Act has been signed into law, we can remove these loud and polluting vehicles from our streets once and for all,” said State Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-Brooklyn), the bill’s sponsor. “I’m grateful to Gov. Hochul for signing this bill so we can hold people accountable for their disruptive behavior.”

State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach, who co-sponsored the legislation, added, “My office receives numerous constituent complaints pertaining to noise, including residents in areas where illegal street drag racing takes place. Loud and excessive motor vehicle noise is not only annoying, it has become a quality of life issue which can contribute to hearing loss in exposed individuals of all ages.”

The Pharmacist’s Corner

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

STAYING HEALTHY DURING HOLIDAY TIME There's no better advice about maintaining your holiday health than to avoid stress. It impedes your health and interferes with having a great time.

Arguably, it's the hardest time of the year to keep things down to a low roar. Hectic schedules, social events and family gatherings to attend, shopping ventures and decorating.

At a time when you want to be at your best, stress can interfere. Holidays can have psychological consequences for some people and chronic stress can lower immunity and cause excretory, digestive and reproductive systems to stop working properly. Stress also may cause you to eat unhealthy snacks to cope, leading to unwanted weight gain.

Stress is not the only potential health hazard that can arise around the holidays. Parties can expose you to an abundance of foods and drinks you're not used to, and that can lead to a lot of mindless eating. Weight gained now is difficult to shed come January, with colder temperatures challenging many peoples’ motivation to exercise.

Also, social settings put you in close contact with a greater number of people, potentially increasing your exposure to germs.

You can still feel your best during the

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Pols Mark Sandy Anniversary

By Michael V. Cusenza

Photo Courtesy of Kevin Coughlin/Office of the Governor

“This is a quality of life and public safety issue that plagues our community for no logical reason other than to simply make noise,” Sen. Gounardes said.

holidays. Follow these tips for maintaining a healthy mind and body.

• Get the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine can protect you against various strains of the flu.

Get a flu shot so you are ready for cold and flu season.

• Carry disinfecting wipes. Germs can linger on surfaces long after an infected person has come and gone. Wipe down surfaces with disinfecting wipes. This can help you avoid coming into contact with germs.

• Balance your activities. Don't over book. Leave days open to relax and do things you want to do.

• Keep up an exercise routine. Early morning is a good time to exercise because you may have to free up other time later in the day for shopping or parties. Exercise also can improve energy levels and relieve stress.

• Don’t focus on food. Focus more on enjoyable activities. Save indulgences for holiday treats and eat sensibly otherwise.

• Talk to someone. If the holidays have you feeling blue, talk to a friend or family member. If you need more professional support, find a social worker or psychologist that can help you work through stress and other feelings.

Until next week!

Several New York elected officials on Friday reflected on the ninth anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, and the human and property destruction wrought by one of the most devastating natural disasters in city history.

“Today is a day to reflect on the damage caused by the storm and the lives that were lost, but also on how we all came together as a community and as a city to help those in need. I remember touring the destruction throughout my district, with homes flooded, businesses unable to open, and even parts of the Rockaway boardwalk hundreds of feet away from the beach. Together we were able to help residents get back into their homes, rebuild much of what was destroyed, and come back better than before,” State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr.

(D-Howard Beach) said. “On that day we were also reminded of the power of nature, and I’ve been fighting to better protect our coastal communities from the dangers of climate change so we never have to face that kind of situation again.”

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) added, “Nine years after Superstorm Sandy made landfall in New York, devastating families, destroying homes and our coastlines, we are not as far along as we should be on completing the crucial storm mitigation and climate resiliency projects needed to protect our frontline communities from extreme weather events. What we experienced as a result of Hurricane Ida serves as an all too clear reminder of the immediate threat of climate change, and why this work remains urgent and necessary. I will continue fighting for the funding needed to complete these critical projects, and remain committed to making sure New Yorkers get the relief they are owed. We cannot compromise on the long-term planning needed to ensure we never again experience the loss and heartbreak we did because of Superstorm Sandy.”

File Photo Superstorm Sandy resulted in the deaths of 44 city residents and inflicted an estimated $19 billion in damages and lost economic activity across the five boroughs.

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After Routing Singh, Ariola Advances to Council District 32 Seat

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

An ecstatic Councilwoman-elect Joann Ariola strides to the podium, hand-in-hand with Mario Faulisi, inside Russo’s on the Bay Tuesday night.

By Michael V. Cusenza Shortly after 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, with Jay-Z’s mega-hit “Run this Town” blaring from speakers, a joyous Joann Ariola danced her way to the podium inside Russo’s on the Bay and declared victory in the race to represent the 32nd City Council District.

Ariola, the Queens County Republican Party chairwoman, handily bested Democrat Felicia Singh, 68 percent to 31 percent.

“We did this as a grassroots effort— we won together,” Ariola said to a raucous crowd of more than 100 supporters. “I feel

Ariola accepts flowers from her son, Matthew.

privileged to be your councilwoman.”

The Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic president succeeds long-time Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park).

“The people have spoken, the torch has been passed,” said Ulrich, who has served on the council for 12 years. “I’m not saying this as a politician, but as a parent: This is a victory for our community.”

Ulrich later added, “We all knew that she had heart and the right message. I feel so relieved and personal pride and happiness to pass this to her. Our community is in good hands.”

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

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“This is a victory for our community,” Councilman Ulrich said.

During her victory speech, Ariola mentioned that Councilman Bob Holden told her early on in the campaign that “losing is not an option.”

“The 32nd [District] was saved tonight,” Holden said. “We could not let it go to a Socialist.”

Phyllis Inserillo, the self-titled “chaos coordinator” of the Ariola campaign, called the run “one of the most positive experiences of my life.

“Joann doesn’t look at red and blue—only where you are and where you’re going,” Inserillo added. “She was determined that we would all be able to stay in our community.”

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

Ariola will be the first woman to represent the 32nd District on the City Council.

She profusely thanked her friends and family for their support during the grueling historic campaign.

“This one could not have been won without the bipartisan support that I received,” she said. “It was a very hard fought race.

From Day 1, our message resonated with the community. But this race wasn’t only one on message. Each part of the district knew I’d represent them. I don’t’ pick and choose who I’ll represent. I will represent each and every one of you.”

More than 100 supporters gathered at Russo’s Tuesday night to cheer on Ariola.

Forum Photo by Michael V. Cusenza

Eric Adams Soundly Defeats Curtis Sliwa, will Succeed de Blasio in City Hall

Mayor-elect Eric Adams

By Michael V. Cusenza Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams on Tuesday night saw a life-long dream become reality as he destroyed Republican Curtis Sliwa in an expected lopsided victory in the general election for mayor of New York City.

Adams earned 66.14 percent of the vote, while gadfly Sliwa garnered 28.7 percent.

Photo Courtesy of Adams Campaign

“Here we are New York, here we are,” Adams, smiling ear to ear, said to a throng of supporters at his victory party. “The people of New York have spoken—they have chosen one of ours. I am you.”

Adams later thanked the voters for the win, and looked forward to being sworn in.

“This campaign was not just a victory over adversity, but a vindication of faith,” the Brooklyn-born Adams said. “This

Mayor Bill de Blasio

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

campaign was about the people that have been betrayed by this government. My fellow New Yorkers, that betrayal stops on Jan. 1.”

Adams also admitted that, “you’re going to find some blemishes, because I am perfectly imperfect. Our city is made up of perfectly imperfect people. We’re going to take our city in a new direction. Together we can do this.”

In his remarks, Sliwa took the high road.

“I have pledged my support for the new mayor, Eric Adams,” Sliwa said. “It’s time for New York City to move in a new direction.”

In classic Sliwa style, the Guardian Angels founder later added, “One thing about Curtis Sliwa is I never give up. I’ve said time and time again: I do not trust politicians. Let the people make the decisions—we pay the taxes.”

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DEC Pulls Plug on Plans for Astoria Power Plant

By Michael V. Cusenza The State Department of Environmental Conservation recently denied a Clean Air Act Title V air permit to Astoria Gas Turbine Power, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NRG Energy, which proposed to construct the Astoria Replacement Project, consisting of a new simple cycle dual fuel fossil fuel-fired peaking combustion turbine generator with a nominal generator output of approximately 437 megawatts.

The DEC noted that, in making its decision, it reviewed information submitted by Astoria Gas Turbine Power, LLC, including in the initial Title V air permit application as well as supplemental materials that were provided in response to requests for additional information by the DEC. The department also reviewed the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement prepared for the project. Additionally, the department reviewed the over 6,600 public comments received from individuals or organizations during the public comment period.

“As described further below, and as initially indicated by the Department in the Notice of Complete Application, the project would be inconsistent with or would interfere with the attainment of the Statewide greenhouse gas emission limits established in Article 75 of the Environmental Conservation Law. Moreover, Astoria [Gas Turbine

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos

Power, LLC] has failed to demonstrate that the project is justified notwithstanding this inconsistency, as it has not demonstrated a reliability need for the project. Nor has Astoria identified adequate alternatives or GHG mitigation measures. Therefore, given that the department is unable to satisfy these elements required by Section 7(2) of the Climate Leadership and Community

Photo Courtesy of Philip Kamrass/Office of the Governor

Protection Act (CLCPA or Climate Act), the application is hereby denied,” the DEC Division of Environmental Permits wrote in an 18-page letter to Astoria Gas Turbine Power, LLC. Several New York elected officials weighed in on the DEC decision.

“For too long, the people of western Queens have borne the brunt of the con-

sequences of being home to far too many of New York’s pollution-belching power plants,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “A rebuilt NRG plant would have kept a fossil fuel-dependent power plant in Astoria for years to come, directly undermining the urgently needed goals laid out in New York’s groundbreaking climate law, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. A law I was proud to champion. I am so proud to have fought alongside great local leaders and activists to stop this pollution-spewing plant.”

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr. added, “Queens has been emphatic and clear from the beginning: NRG’s proposed power plant in Astoria is antithetical to our critically important mission to eliminate our city’s dependence on fossil fuels and build a future centered on clean, renewable energy. We applaud the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for denying NRG’s permits and standing with the families of Astoria in opposition to this disastrous plan. From Superstorm Sandy to Hurricane Ida, Queens knows all too well the catastrophic impacts climate change has had on our borough. Time is of the essence, and today’s decision ensures Queens will continue to be a global leader in the fight for a more sustainable, resilient and healthy environment.”

Members of Congress Call on DHS to Address Barriers to Naturalization

By Michael V. Cusenza A group of 27 members of the House of Representatives, led by Reps. Grace Meng (D-Flushing), Norma J. Torres (D-Calif.) and Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL) recently sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Ur Mendoza Jaddou encouraging them to take further action to address existing barriers to naturalization.

The missive encourages DHS to make the citizenship process fairer and more effective by taking the following steps: • Provide information about the naturalization process and resources to potentially eligible populations. “We believe this information should be provided at adjustment of status approvals, with removal of conditions (I-751 and I-829 approvals), and with every 10-year green card renewal (I-90) approval. Again, we commend the release of the Interagency Strategy for Promoting Naturalization and hope that this and other positive changes result from that strategy.”

• Fee Waivers for naturalization and immigration applications. “We believe USCIS should offer fee waivers for eligible applicants for naturalization and other immigration applicants. Waivers ensure naturalization and immigration status is accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it, and will help tackle the massive backlog.”

• Implement remote interviews and oath ceremonies. “We believe USCIS should permit but not require remote interviews and oath ceremonies expeditiously during and after the pandemic to assist in balancing workload across offices and reducing processing times.”

Photo Courtesy of DHS

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas

• Appoint a Special Advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security for Citizenship and Immigrant Integration. “We believe this advisor, preferably a naturalized citizen or expert, should be charged with working across the DHS immigration agencies and components that affect immigration to help ensure that all agency personnel respect and recognize the importance of posi-

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tive interactions between stakeholders and government agencies.”

• Promote customer service and public engagement. “We believe USCIS should reestablish the USCIS Office of Public Engagement and the USCIS Office of Customer Service would help USCIS engage in regular dialogues and share information with community stakeholders.”

• Establish a process to solicit and accept donations for the Citizenship Gift and Bequest Account.

“We believe the agency should fully use 8 U.S.C. § 1382 to obtain funding for grants and related activities; specifically, we believe it should revisit the feasibility of accepting private donations to support the USCIS Citizenship and Integration Grant Program. We understand that DHS has proposed examining this option in the Interagency Strategy to Promote Naturalization, and we strongly encourage the agency to use this opportunity.”

• Improve agency policy related to immigration data transparency and the naturalization process by providing more information and data. “We believe these statistics should include the naturalization exam pass rates by fiscal year and USCIS district; data on the annual number of fee waivers and reduced fees requested and approved for the Form N-400; data on the number of disability exceptions waivers (N648s) requested and approved; and the cost breakdown used to determine individual fee levels.”

• Finally, please provide an update to Congress on: (1) The current naturalization application backlog, both nationwide and at individual field offices; and (2) current naturalization application processing times, both nationwide and at individual field offices.

Pol Pushes for $67M in Fed Funding for Local Health Care Workforce Development Program According to the senator, AHECs com- ety of real-world settings, such as migrant, mit to diversifying the health workforce by urban, and rural community health clinics U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) is recruiting a diverse population of youth to and health departments to provide health urging congressional leadership to provide $67 million for the Area Health Education Centers program at the Health Resources and Services Administration.

The U.S. is currently facing a historic health care worker shortage that’s been exacerbated by the strains of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the problem is only expected to worsen, Gillibrand warned in a letter to Senate Appropriations Committee leadership. Experts estimate that the country could see a shortfall of as many as 124,000 physicians by 2034, and New York alone is projected to be short more than 39,000 registered nurses by 2030. More than 5 million New Yorkers live in primary care Health Professional Shortage Areas; this figure exceeds the primary care HPSA populations of 46 other states.

“Over the last year and a half, our health care system and our health care providers have been under historic levels of stress. They have worked night and day – at great risk – to meet rising demand and Photo Courtesy of Sen. Gillibrand keep their fellow New Yorkers safe and “I am urging congressional leadership to deliver $67 million to the AHEC program in order to address the health healthy, and they need reinforcements,” care staffing shortage and to recruit, train and build the next generation of health care workers,” Sen. Gillibrand Gillibrand said. “I am urging congressio- said. nal leadership to deliver $67 million to the AHEC program in order to address health care careers and facilitating the dis- care to surrounding populations. With close the health care staffing shortage and to re- tribution of clinicians, especially in under- to 50 years of operation, AHECs meet the cruit, train and build the next generation served and rural communities. Each AHEC current and emerging needs of the commuplaces health professions students in a vari- nities they serve through community-acaof health care workers.”

By Michael V. Cusenza

demic partnerships, with a focus on exposure, education, and training of the current and future health care workforce, Gillibrand said.

AHECs serve 85 percent of all counties nationally and support health care workforce development and education by training providers in interdisciplinary settings to respond to the needs of special and underserved populations. In New York State, there are three regional centers and nine AHECs statewide. Local New York Area Health Education Centers also work to address workforce shortages by introducing high school students to careers in health care and working with local nursing, medical, and physician assistant schools to provide students an opportunity to understand the social and cultural factors that influence an individual’s overall health and access to quality care.

“At a time when the country is facing health provider shortages coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that we increase support to the AHEC program,” Gillibrand wrote in her letter. “The AHEC program brings more trained and skilled health providers into the workforce in a way that is responsive to local health needs.

AHECs connect academic training programs with community-based outreach programs and, because AHECs are embedded in the communities they serve, they are positioned to recognize and respond to needs of vulnerable and underserved populations as such needs arise.”

Borough Man Charged with Slaying Woman in Life Insurance Scheme

BY Forum Staff

A superseding indictment was recently filed in Brooklyn federal court charging a Queens man with murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, prosecutors announced.

Cory Martin, 34, was previously charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and fraudulent use of identification relating to an alleged scheme to fraudulently obtain life insurance policies in the name of Brandy Odom, a 26-year-old woman, murder her, and then claim benefits under the life insurance policies.

As alleged in the indictment and other court documents, in March 2017, a year prior to Odom’s murder, Martin and a coconspirator fraudulently obtained two life insurance policies in the victim’s name. They arranged for premium payments to the life insurance companies to be made by Western Union money order and by using a debit card in Odom’s name.

In April 2018, Martin allegedly strangled Odom, and, over the course of several days, dismembered her corpse. On April 6, 2018, Martin had searched Home Depot’s website for an online listing for a “Dewalt 12-Amp Corded Reciprocating Saw,” described as featuring a

Photo Courtesy of Google

In the early morning of April 8 and April 9, 2018, Martin disposed of Odom’s body parts in Canarsie Park with the assistance of his co-conspirator.

“powerful 12 Amp motor designed for heavyduty applications.” Later that evening, Martin searched YouTube using the search term “how to insert blade for reciprocating saw” and “using reciprocating saw,” which he subsequently deleted from his cell phone.

In the early morning of April 8 and April 9, 2018, Martin disposed of Odom’s body parts in Canarsie Park with the assistance of his co-conspirator. On April 10, 2018, Martin conducted dozens of Internet searches for news articles, including “Search area

expands after dismembered body found in Canarsie Park in Brooklyn.” Martin also accessed a Twitter post titled “Person walking dog discovers remains of woman in Brooklyn park.” The following day, Martin searched YouTube using the search term “exclusive interview of mother of girl found in park.” After Odom’s murder, at Martin’s direction, several unsuccessful attempts to claim benefits under Odom’s life insurance policies were made by his co-conspirator.

“The defendant allegedly brutally mur-

dered a young woman, dismembered her body and scattered her body parts in a Brooklyn park in order to profit from life insurance policies that he fraudulently obtained in her name,” said Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Breon Peace. “He will now be held to account for his alleged heinous acts. We hope that today’s charges bring some measure of solace to the victim’s family.”

If convicted, Martin faces a mandatory penalty of life imprisonment, or possibly, the death penalty.

“With dogged tenacity and meticulous investigative work, our NYPD detectives and law enforcement partners never wavered in their mission to seek justice for this crime victim. Now, more than three years after the malicious fraud and brutal killing alleged in today’s indictment, New Yorkers can find our collective answer in these court papers from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York,” said City Police Commissioner Dermot Shea.

“Ms. Odom didn’t deserve the sheer indignity of dying that way, no one does.

Mr. Martin facing justice won’t bring Ms. Odom back, but it will keep him from plotting another despicable attempt at profiting off someone’s life,” added FBI NY Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael Driscoll.

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APRTMENT FOR RENT

WOODHAVEN One BR. New kitchen. Freshly painted. Gas & elec included.

Quiet neighborhood Near Forest Park. W2 needed. $1600.00 MONTHLY

For more information call 718-614-3680

HOWARD BEACH

Hi-Rise Co-Op, 4 rms, 2 bedrms, Jr 4 , top floor, freshly painted, excel cond, Call Now !

OZONE PARK

2 fam det Colonial, 10 rms 4 bedrms , 3 full bths, full fin bst, pvt drive & 1 car gar Call Now!

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2 Fam det, 10 rms, 5 bedrms, 1 car gar pvt dr, updated kit & bath, lg yard, Call Now !

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Hi-Rise Co-Op, 5 rms, Jr 4 2 bed, top floor, just painted, mint call now !

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Garden Co-Op, Spacious and bright 1st floor corner, 4 rms, 1 bedrm, sunny and bright unit, Q41 bus to NYC, walk to park & shopping center ,

HOWARD BEACH

Cape, 7rms, 4 bedrms, 2 new bths, 50x100, all newly renovated, formal dining rm, hardwood flrs, Built in pool, many extras, CALL NOW !!

HOWARD BEACH det Hi Ranch, 9 rms, 4 bedrms, 2 bths, pvt drive, nice yard Call Now Now

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5 rms 2 bedrm Garden CO-OP, updated kit & bath, pet friendly, hardwd fls, spacious and bright, Call Now !

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • VOL. 21 • Number 24 • NOVEMBER 4 2021 | 13

Legal Notices DALEY DENTAL GEMS STUDIO BOUTIQUE, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/8/2021. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: STACY DALEY, 80-11 161st. ST., JAMAICA, NY,11432, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

MIRACLES MADE PUBLISHING LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/14/2021. Office loc: Queens County.

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

SSNY shall mail process to: BARBARA CASTRO, 25504 61st AVE., LITTLE NECK, NY, 11362, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

LEMAHD LLC filed Arts. of Org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/26/2021. Office: Queens County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: JACOB MILLER, 4705 CENTER BLVD APT 401, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY, 11109, USA. Purpose: any lawful act.

NEWSHENK LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/07/2021. 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, 51-02 199th Street 2nd Floor, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of Formation of blue beaver publishing LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/05/21.

Office location: Queens County. Princ. office of LLC: 65-75 Woodhaven Blvd., Rego Park, NY 11374. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to ARDLEE SIMON, 251-21 JERICHO TURNPIKE, BELLROSE, NY, 11426, USA. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation: BEST REALTY ONEONTA LLC Art. Of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/27/2021.

Office Loc: QUEENS COUNTY. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 224-22 76TH AVE, OAKLAND GARDENS, NY, 11364. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

6030 55TH ST. LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/21/21. 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 LLC, 244-06 Van Zandt Avenue, Douglaston, NY 11362. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

DO WHAT’S FULFILLING LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/29/2021.

Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: EDWARD HUNTER LAGRASSA, 120 WARWICK AVE. DOUGLASTON, NY, 11363-1038, USA.. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

SALINAS LLC filed Arts. of Org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/17/2021. Office: Queens County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: The LLC, 2700 215th St, Bayside, NY 11360.

Purpose: any lawful act.

RUKHSHANA LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/07/2021. 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, 8505 35th Avenue, Apt 5G, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

J&N RENOVATIONS GROUP, LLC filed Arts. of Org. with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 7/29/2021. Office: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: Juan Camilo Quintero, 201-29 119th Avenue, Saint Albans, NY, 11412 USA. Purpose: any lawful act.

DIAGORAS NUTRITION LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/15/21.

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 tMOHAMED AIDARA, 5525 98TH PALCE, CORONA APT 2B, QUEENS, NY 11368, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

LIC KAITEN ZUSHI LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/14/21. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Kyung Rae Kim, 42-20 27th St Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

JAMES QUIGLEY LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/14/2021. 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 LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 3319 BROADWAY #2A, ASTORIA, NY 11106, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

14 NOVEMBER 4, 2021 • Number 24 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP

COOPER AVENUE REALTY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/24/21.

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, 79-08 ooper Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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16 NOVEMBER 4, 2021 • Number 24 • VOL. 21 • THE FORUM NEWSGROUP