THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | OCTOBER 17, 2024 by Mike Kurov

HEINOUS

Photo Courtesy of Councilman Holden

Pols Demand Change in NYPD Policy after Bleeding Pit Bull Left Tied to Tree

not continue to fall through the cracks of the legal system.

“Animal cruelty in our city must be taken seriously, and the heartbreaking case involving Star is a perfect example of how these issues tragically fall through the cracks,” said Holden. “It’s devastating and outrageous that someone would leave this poor dog tied to a tree, suffering from advanced-stage cancer, and we demand accountability for these despicable actions and urge the NYPD to ensure swift justice.”

By Michael V. Cusenza

In a visceral, gut-wrenching display of animal cruelty, a cancer-stricken dog with a large open wound to her chest was abandoned in Glendale on Tuesday, tied to a tree with a blanket and a bowl full of dog food.

On Tuesday morning, Councilmembers Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) and Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) were notified about a pit bull found tied to a tree near

Atlas Mall. The elected officials alerted the 104th Precinct, Animal Care Centers, and area animal rescue groups to assist. The dog was taken to the ACC Paul A. Vallone Queens Animal Care Center in Ridgewood for evaluation.

The veterinarians at ACC diagnosed the pit bull, who was named Star and was about 8 years old, with advanced-stage mammary cancer. Members of the City Police Department’s Animal Cruelty Squad later transported the dog to the

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to further assess her condition. Star was humanely euthanized Tuesday night in a veterinary hospital. Holden called it “the most compassionate option to end Star’s suffering.”

“How could anyone do this to such an innocent soul?” he asked.

The councilmembers are now demanding changes to NYPD investigation procedures and officer education, so that crimes against animals such as this one do

Ariola said, “The current procedure required for the NYPD to open an investigation is needlessly complex and antiquated, and most officers themselves are not even sure of the proper steps that need to be taken in animal cruelty cases. That’s why I am joining with Councilmember Holden in calling for changes to be made, both in officer training and education to ensure that officers respond correctly to these kinds of issues, and to the procedures themselves, so that no other animal abusers are able to get away unpunished because of technicalities in the legal system. We will not let Star’s awful death be in vain. We need to see changes now, to protect the animals of this city from further harm.”

The Animal Cruelty Squad has opened an investigation into the matter.

Pheffer Amato Touts Impact of Breast Cancer Legislation

By Forum Staff

Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) this week marked the two-year anniversary of the enactment of a bill she sponsored that guarantees insur -

ance coverage for all forms of post-mastectomy surgery.

Specifically, Pheffer Amato’s legislation fully authorized insurance coverage for aesthetic flat closure, a choice women can make to obtain a flat chest instead of

breast reconstruction. With the enactment of Pheffer Amato’s bill, New York became the first state in the country to provide this right to women and guarantee their ability to have full autonomy over their chests.

Aesthetic flat closure is an option for women who have had a full or partial mastectomy and wish to have a flat chest wall instead of having reconstructive surgery or breast implants. Prior to the enactment of the bill, reconstructive surgery or breast implants were covered by insurance, but the option to go flat was not. This denial of coverage, which was deemed “cosmetic,” led to women being left with pockets of skin, or flaps of skin, on their chest. Roughly 62.5 percent of women who have a mastectomy have sought to opt-out of breast reconstruction and go for the aesthetic flat closure option.

“This bill impacts women,” Pheffer Amato said. “Two years later and this type of coverage is outlined in every insurance booklet in New York State. This work has ensured a woman can make the choice on how she wants her postmastectomy body to look! We all know someone who has been impacted by breast cancer, and this law ensures that women don’t just survive, but thrive, and feel good about their own body. This bill pays tribute to those that didn’t have a choice, and now celebrates all the women who do.”

Photo Courtesy of ACC of NY

Star was first taken to ACC Paul A. Vallone Queens Animal Care Center in Ridgewood for evaluation.

Photo Courtesy of Emil Cohen/NYC Council Media Unit “How could anyone do this to such an innocent soul?” Councilman Holden asked on Tuesday.

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/Rhoda Baer

Before the bill became law, reconstructive surgery or breast implants were covered by insurance, but the option to go flat was not.

Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato

“This bill impacts women,” Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato said.

Lander Rips City Hall on Storm Prep

By Michael V. Cusenza

As the twelfth anniversary of Superstorm Sandy nears, City Comptroller Brad Lander is once again chiding Mayor Eric Adams for what Lander has characterized as insufficient storm preparedness.

“New analysis from my office of key storm preparedness indicators shows that the Adams Administration has made inadequate progress. As of August 2024, the City is lagging on increasing enrollment in emergency notifications and replacing aging catch basins. Plus, 12 years after [Superstorm] Sandy, a significant portion of federal recovery funds have yet to be spent,” Lander, a 2025 mayoral candidate, said on Friday. “To weather the storms to come, we need stronger emergency weather management from City Hall. That is how public trust can be restored, systems improved, harm reduced, and lives spared.”

Earlier this year, Lander blasted the Adams administration for “big gaps in storm readiness” that were revealed by Tropical Storm Ophelia in 2023. A report by Lander’s Office identified what he called “several severe shortcomings,” including:

• 63 percent of the Department of Environmental Protection’s 51 catch basin cleaning trucks were out of service during the storm, leaving only 19 trucks to cover all five boroughs.

• At the time of the storm, Adams had not appointed an Extreme Weather Coordinator. The administration’s high-level and targeted communications with the public came late, well after heavy rain was already wreaking havoc.

• Only 2.7 percent of New Yorkers over 16 years old received NotifyNYC emergency alerts for the flash flooding.

• DEP has developed a cost-effective plan (just $22.5 million) to modernize many of the city’s priority catch basins so they are less likely to clog; but unfortunately, the plan has not yet been funded or greenlighted for implementation.

• A majority of DEP’s stormwater infrastructure projects are delayed and over-budget.

Lander said this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, which began on June 1 and runs through Nov. 30, is expected to be “abnormally active.” Storms, heavy rains, and intense hurricanes are becoming more frequent and severe with climate change. In June, Hurricane Beryl was the earliest category 5 storm on record. Hurricanes Helene and Milton made landfall this month, lashing the South with deadly winds and flooding.

In his hurricane season 2024 report on preparedness indicators, Lander wrote, “As the City gears up for what’s expected to be an abnormally active hurricane season, the Comptroller’s Office is monitoring key preparedness indicators through November 2024 to assess the City’s ongoing readiness for severe storms. City government has a crucial role to play in managing emergency response to severe storms and flooding, from communicating emergency alerts to cleaning catch basins to building more resilient infrastructure. It is critical that we pay sharp attention to these issues to ensure our city is as prepared as we can be for climate emergencies. Earlier this summer, the Comptroller’s Office requested data from the City on key preparedness indicators. Our goal to provide transparency to help ensure that New Yorkers are kept safe in the face of climate threats and disasters. As of August 2024, the City has made modest progress to increase enrollment in emergency notifications, replace aging catch basins, and spend all of the post-Sandy recovery and resiliency funds, but far more is needed to be fully prepared for heavy storms.”

File Photo

City Comptroller Lander has characterized City storm preparedness as “inadequate.”

Guest Column: Proposed Drug Patent Reform would do More Harm than Good

By Andrei Iancu and David Kappos

Congress is considering a bill that could exacerbate government waste and give American companies’ most valuable trade secrets to China.

That’s obviously not lawmakers’ goal. But it's likely to happen—if the Medication Affordability and Patent Integrity Act, introduced by Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.), becomes law.

The bill’s supporters claim that insufficient coordination between the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is inflating drug prices.

They believe pharmaceutical companies “unfairly extend the exclusivity period for a drug by submitting partial information for their initial patent” and then later submitting new information.

These claims are unfounded. Under current law, a patent will not be granted or subsequently upheld if the patent-holder is shown to have withheld relevant information during the application process.

Given that a full deterrent is already in place, the bill’s primary effect—introducing redundant patent disclosure requirements—would merely cause government waste. As former directors of USPTO, we know that these requirements would force the agency to squander thousands of hours on work that provides no public benefit.

Under the provisions of the bill, a patent applicant must forward any and all information provided to the FDA, and any related communications with the FDA, to USPTO as well.

The proposed legislation specifically mandates double disclosure of “any statement or characterization of analytical or clinical data”—including confidential proprietary data. While the FDA regards such information as essential to its review process and maintains that information in strict confidence, the USPTO, by its nature and mandate, typically operates in full public view. The word “patent” comes from the Latin word for “lay open.” Communications between drug manufacturers and the FDA that contain trade secrets and are not publicly disclosed for drug approval purposes will be put into the public domain once disclosed to the USPTO for patentability purposes and their disclosure could result in substantial damage.

This fact is especially relevant in the context of global competition. International rivals, China above all, have proven more than willing to take advantage of American intellectual property whenever they can get their hands on it. The strict confidentiality of sensitive information is absolutely essential to preserving American competitiveness. But this will be impossible if the proposed legislation becomes law.

The bill would also aid intellectual property thieves both at home and abroad. A small inventor’s accidental failure to comply with the legislation’s onerous requirements could be weaponized by patent infringers—including those abroad—seeking to skirt otherwise strong patents.

America already prohibits the sort of patent gaming that lawmakers are concerned about, and the United States has the highest rate of generic drug usage in the developed world. There’s simply no evidence that the patent process is unduly delaying the introduction of generic medicines.

Blurring the lines of authority around the comprehensive processes already in place at USPTO and the FDA won’t make patients better off. It’ll only jeopardize American companies’ competitive edge, squander government resources, and help foreign competitors and copycats.

Iancu served as the undersecretary of commerce for intellectual property and director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office from 2018 to 2021. Kappos served in the same offices from 2009 to 2013. Both serve as board co-chairs of the Council for Innovation Promotion.

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/Calvero

Hochul Touts Medicare Savings Program

The Pharmacist’s Corner

Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph

FOOD ALLERGIES UNDERSTANDING THEM

Food allergies or food intolerances affect nearly all of us at some time. People having unpleasant reactions to food often wonder if it had something to do with what they had to eat.

One out of three people believe food allergies have something to do with another family member having the same allergy. In reality though, numbers show only about 5% of children and 4% of teens and adults have family related allergies.

The difference between clinically supported food allergies and what peoplethink is causing the problem is maily because of reactions brought on by what we call a food intolerance.

Lactose intolerance is something we've all heard about and seen many products that deal with the condition.

It’s important to know the difference between intolerance and a true allergic reaction.

A food allergy is an abnormal responseto food triggered by the immune system.

ple with true alergies to certain foods, have to identiy the allergies beacuse it could save their lives. People who have true food allergies must prevent these allergic reactions because they can cause devastating illness and, in some cases, be fatal.An allergic reaction to food can affect the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, the respiratory tract, and, in the most serious cases, the cardiovascular system.

Reactions can range from mild to severe, including the potentially life-threatening condition known as anaphylaxis. In the U.S., food allergy symptoms send someone to the emergency room every three minutes.

Mild symptoms may include one or more of the following: hives, Eczema,redness of the skin or around the eyes,i tchy mouth or ear canal,nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, nasal congestion or a runny nose, sneezing, slight dry cough, odd taste in mouth and uterine contractions.

By Forum Staff

Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday announced that nearly one million New Yorkers are now enrolled in Stateadministered Medicare Savings Program, which can help eligible older adults save an estimated average of $7,400 per year in healthcare costs.

Approximately 575,000 NYC residents have enrolled in the Medicare Savings Program. The MSP helps Medicare beneficiaries living on limited incomes by paying their Medicare Part B premiums and automatically enrolling them in the federal government’s Extra Help program, which helps patients with prescription drug costs.

“Our work to expand the Medicare Savings Program is helping ease the burden of healthcare costs for nearly one million New Yorkers and putting thousands of dollars back in their pockets,” Hochul said. “I encourage older adults in New York to use the Medicare open enrollment period to find out if they are eligible for the program and to learn if other Medicare coverage options can provide additional cost savings.”

The Medicare open enrollment period started on Tuesday and will remain open until Dec. 7. Many older adults are eligible for this program following the expansion of the MSP in 2022, which increased income eligibility limits to $2,355 per month for an individual and $3,189 per month for a couple.

The MSP helps Medicare beneficiaries living on limited incomes by paying their Medicare Part B premiums and automatically enrolls them in Extra Help. The U.S. Social Security Administration estimates a potential cost savings of $5,300 per person enrolled in Extra Help. The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees is $174.70 per month. Combined,

this assistance equals nearly $7,400 in savings annually. This financial assistance can be a lifeline for enrollees, allowing them to maintain their Medicare coverage, access needed care, and afford other necessities.

An application for the MSP is available on the State Department of Health website here . The application and required documentation should be sent your local Department of Social Services or Human Resource Administration. To apply, applicants will need photocopies of their Medicare card, proof of income, documentation about health insurance premiums other than Medicare, proof of date of birth and residence.

Beneficiaries with income just above the posted limits should still consider contacting the Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program for assistance in the application process, Hochul noted, as individuals may be paying for out-of-pocket costs that can be deducted from their gross income to make them eligible. HIICAP offers free and objective counseling for Medicare beneficiaries needing assistance applying for the MSP or any other Medicare-related questions. Call HIICAP at (800) 701-0501. Callers will be routed to their local program for assistance.

“The Medicare Savings Program is a vital resource to assist people with limited income in paying their Medicare premiums and individuals who may not qualify for Medicaid because of income limits can still qualify for this savings program,” said Dr. James McDonald, State Health commissioner. “That enrollment has reached close to one million individuals highlights the ongoing commitment to health equity by Gov. Hochul and the department, by ensuring those who need financial help can access timely medical care at an affordable cost.”

The immune system is not responsible for symptoms of a food intolerance, even though these symptoms can resemble one another. Being allergic to milk is very different from not being able to digest it due to lactose intolerance.

Th relatively small percentage of peo -

If you experience any of these symptoms you should discuss them with your pharmacist or physician right away.

Remember, being prepared for an allergic reaction can often mean the difference between an unpleasant experience and a life threatening situation.

Until next week…

Learn More about Home, Flood Insurance

• Insurance for

• Homeowners pay too much for their home insurance or are unaware of the extent of their

• Workshop will help homeowners better understand their home insurance policy;

• Learn about jargon, coverage, and how coverage is calculated, how costs are calculated, premiums, and what’s covered and what’s not

The event is scheduled for next Wednesday, Oct. 23, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. To register for the webinar, visit: https://tinyurl.com/5pd9kt92.

Photo Courtesy of Darren McGee/Office of the Governor

The expansion of the Medicare Savings Program “is helping ease the burden of healthcare costs,” Gov. Hochul said.

Borough President Hosts Inaugural Nonprofit Conference at Resorts World NYC

By Michael V. Cusenza

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards on Tuesday hosted the inaugural Queens Nonprofit Conference at Resorts World New York City in South Ozone Park.

Richards said he organized the conference to spotlight the role nonprofits play in serving the borough’s diverse communities, while also allowing groups in search of funding to connect with a variety of prospective partners.

Co-sponsored by MetroPlus Health and Ponce Bank, the conference included eight different expert-led morning workshops that focused on topics such as fundraising strategies, proposal writing, securing government resources, advocacy, artificial intelligence and more.

In the afternoon, attending nonprofits participated in a resource fair featuring a dozen different public and private entities, as well as one-on-one discussions with corporate sponsors such as JetBlue, ConEdison and National Grid.

Mayor’s Office of Nonprofit Services Executive Director Johnny Celestin delivered the conference’s keynote address.

“Queens’ nonprofit sector has never been stronger, and my office is working tirelessly to elevate it even higher. Our inaugu-

ral Queens Nonprofit Conference is another investment in that mission, as we further empower these amazing groups serving Queens,” Richards said. “To the hundreds of nonprofits who joined us, thank you for uplifting our families. To all our panelists and participants, thank you for your advice and assistance. To our partners, we couldn’t do it without you.”

“Queens’ nonprofits power our diverse, vibrant communities through their services, advocacy and dedication. Our mission over the last 13 years has been to support those nonprofits, whether financially, through our time, or hosting their events. I want to personally thank Borough President Richards for bringing the Queens Nonprofit Summit here to Resorts World New York City, where so many diverse groups can come together united by our love of this amazing place,” said Genting Americas East President Robert DeSalvio. Resorts World NYC is operated by Genting New York.

The conference was Richards’ largest effort to boost the borough’s nonprofit sector. He established the Queens Nonprofit Network in April 2021 to serve as a clearinghouse of information for groups across the borough. In the three years since the network’s formation, the nearly 500 member organizations have been connected to

“Queens’ nonprofit sector has never been stronger,” Borough President Richards (l.) said.

approximately $1 million in public and private funding in the form of micro-grants, foundation awards and corporate sponsorships among other sources.

In May 2023, Richards announced a partnership with the Queens Public Library, which saw a QPL expert in nonprofit services hold free monthly consultations at Borough Hall to assist nonprofits in their searches for funding sources.

Each member organization of the Borough President’s Queens Nonprofit Network is a 501c that serves Queens residents;

most predominantly serve historically marginalized communities, and two-thirds have budgets of less than $500,000 — making the work of the network critical in support of the key services that those groups offer, Richards said.

“Our borough’s growing network of nonprofit organizations represents the best of Queens as they dutifully serve our families in every corner of every community. That’s why my office is committed to ensuring these organizations can operate at their fullest potential,” the borough president added.

Adams Announces New ‘Co-Response’ Operation Focused on Homeless on City Subways

By Forum Staff

Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday announced a new public safety and social services outreach initiative aimed at connecting homeless New Yorkers living in the City subway system with shelter and other resources.

The initiative — known as Partnership Assistance for Transit Homelessness (PATH) — brings together members of

the City Police Department Transit Bureau, City Department of Homeless Services, and NYC Health + Hospitals to help link those in need to care. Launched in August, PATH teams consist of DHS nurses and outreach staff working alongside NYPD transit police who conduct outreach overnight at subway stations across Manhattan from 8 p.m. to 12 p.m. While in the field, the interagency PATH teams engage everyone they see who appears to

be unsheltered, offering individualized support based on the person’s expressed or observed challenges. The program will be expanded in the months to come, Adams pledged.

Administration officials said that PATH is a major advancement in the City’s embrace of “co-response” — a crisis response model gaining traction nationally, in which police are paired with clinical professionals to engage with members of the public in need of medical care and/or social services. Participating police officers receive specialized training in crisis de-escalation and allow their clinical partners to take the lead once safety is assured. While co-response is not meant to replace traditional outreach conducted without police involvement, in certain situations, the presence of police affords clinicians a greater sense of personal safety. Co-response also greatly enhances the ability of a clinician to initiate transport to a hospital for evaluation in circumstances where an individual exhibits symptoms of mental illness presenting a danger to self or others, Adams noted.

Since its launch, members of the coresponse PATH team have engaged with over 1,550 unhoused New Yorkers, with over 500 New Yorkers directly connected to services, ranging from shelter, meals, and medical help. Additionally, members of the NYPD issued 18 summonses and removed

190 people from the transit system for various violations of the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s rules of conduct or State law.

The PATH program supplements Subway Co-Response Outreach Teams (SCOUT), an initiative the city operates in collaboration with MTA Police. In March 2024, the City and the MTA announced plans to expand SCOUT to 10 teams operating in daytime hours throughout the subway system by the end of 2025. That expansion is underway and on schedule. While there is a difference in the focus of the two programs, the combination and coordination of PATH and SCOUT will allow for the implementation of co-response at more hours and with greater coverage of the extensive subway system.

“Helping homeless individuals is more complex than just calling 911,” said City Councilwoman Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills), chairwoman of the Health Committee. “It requires a comprehensive response that includes mental health and social service professionals, who are best able to help New Yorkers in need. That is why today’s newly-announced initiative to assist unsheltered individuals in the city’s subway system is such an important step. Similar to the city-state program, called SCOUT, which has been a great success, I look forward to seeing comparable results for the PATH program.”

Photo Courtesy of Benny Polatseck/Mayoral Photography Office

Photo Courtesy of BP Richards

Apply Now to Participate in Addabbo Artist Showcase

By Forum Staff

State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) on Friday announced that he will host an artist showcase in December in Forest Hills.

Review the following guidelines before applying to participate.

Eligibility

Constituents Only: Participation is limited to residents and constituents of Senate District 15.

General Guidelines

Showcase, not Competition: This event is a showcase, not a competition or talent show. The purpose is to highlight and promote the body of work of local artists.

Space: Each participant will have approximately 4 feet of space to display or work.

No Sales on Premises: Selling artwork or items at the event is not permitted. However, artists are encouraged to promote their work.

Artist Requirements

Visual Artists: Must bring their own

stands, displays, and tables to exhibit their work. Artists must bring their own artwork for display.

Musicians: Performances should be limited to 10 minutes, including setup time. Artists must bring their own instruments. No instruments will be provided on-site.

Addabbo’s Office

Printed Materials: The senator’s staff will print name tags, artist profiles, art piece descriptions, and a program for the event. To ensure this is accurate, artists are asked to provide the necessary information about their work in advance.

In order to apply to participate in the showcase, call Addabbo’s office at (718) 738-111 to register; and send samples of your work to Raimondo Graziano, Chief of Staff, at rgrazian@nysenate.gov.

“This is not just an opportunity to exhibit your visual artwork or musical talent,” Addabbo said, “but to foster a lasting connection with fellow artists and art lovers in the area.”

The showcase will be held on Sunday, Dec. 15, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Forest Hills Jewish Center, located at 106-06 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills.

Photo Courtesy of Google

The artist showcase is scheduled for December at the Forest Hills Jewish Center.

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo

Senator Addabbo called the event an opportunity “to foster a lasting connection with fellow artists and art lovers in the area.”

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Mob Loan Shark Convicted of Extorting a Witness

By Forum Staff

A jury on Friday convicted Bonanno mobster John “Bazoo” Ragano for extorting a witness, federal prosecutors said.

In early 2021, the victim borrowed $150,000 from Ragano and made interest payments of approximately $1,800 a week to him. On Sept. 14, 2021, Ragano, 62, was arrested in connection with the extortionate loan to the victim, as well as separate schemes to traffic marijuana and commit fraud. While Ragano was on pre-trial detention in that case, and after he was released on bond from the Metropolitan Detention Center in December 2021, he continued to try to collect the 2021 loan from the victim. On Nov. 28, 2022, Ragano pleaded guilty in connection with his loan to the victim. In 2022 and 2023, despite Ragano’s arrest, court supervision, guilty plea and sentence of 57 months’ imprisonment, he continued to extort the victim on the 2021 loan, including at status conferences held at the federal courthouse.

On March 25, 2023, the victim recorded a meeting with Co-Conspirator No. 1 who explained that Ragano wanted the entire amount of the loan repaid and that “nobody’s looking for anybody

City

Ships

to get hurt.” On July 5, 2023, the victim went to a used auto parts yard in Ridgewood where Ragano worked to discuss the loan and recorded the meeting. The victim told Ragano that he was going to stop repaying the loan. Ragano accused the victim of cooperating with the government and demanded that he remove all his clothes.

“Okay, well then take off your f-----g

1,246 Pounds of

By Michael V. Cusenza

The City on Wednesday celebrated the transportation of more than 1,200 pounds of illegal vape products out of the five boroughs as they are shipped off for destruction.

The products — all seized through “Operation Padlock to Protect” — contain batteries and other hazardous materials that must be disposed of safely. The products are being sent to the City Police Department’s long-term DNA evidence destruction vendor, ENP Environmental, in Grafton, Ohio.

The City has seized more than $80 million in illegal products, which have been taking up an outsized amount of space across NYPD’s network of evidence warehouses.

s—t right now my man. Take off your f-----g pants right now, lemme see, I want to see,” Ragano said.

At Ragano’s insistence, the victim complied and took off all his clothing. At that point, two men at the business walked up behind Ragano, one of whom was holding metal tools. Ragano then demanded the victim pay the money the defendant believed he was owed. Despite being forced

to strip naked, the victim was still able to record the confrontation.

“The defendant’s extortion of a victim while on pre-trial release, carried out even in the sanctity of the federal courthouse, is an affront to the criminal justice system and a glaring example of this Bonanno mobster’s flagrant disrespect for the law,” Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said. “With today’s verdict, the jury has delivered a clear message that the rule of law will prevail over extortionate threats.”

FBI NY Assistant Director in Charge Jim Dennehy added, “Despite previous arrests and detention, John Ragano tormented his victim to make weekly exorbitant loan payments and enforced humiliating methods when faced with resistance. His actions reflected his apathy to the criminal justice system as he repeatedly attempted to extort his victims in the midst of active legal proceedings. Today’s verdict emphasizes the FBI’s intolerance of the mob’s historical inclination to utilize coercive and threatening tactics to fulfill their greedy demands.”

Ragano, who was acquitted of extortionate collection of credit conspiracy, witness harassment and witness tampering, faces up to 20 years in prison.

Seized Illegal Vape Products to be Destroyed

Upon seizure, untaxed and illegally sold tobacco and vape products are subject to forfeiture, and ultimately may be destroyed by the City.

In August, the City Sherriff’s Joint Compliance Task Force destroyed more than four tons of seized, illegal cannabis products as part of the NYPD’s standard evidence destruction process of incinerating illegal substances and products in an environmentally-responsible way.

“Today, we say goodbye and good riddance to products that endanger our children and undermine our quality of life,” Adams said. “From the moment we were given the additional authority we needed from the state to weed out illegal cannabis operators, our administration took swift

action. Through our successful ‘Operation Padlock to Protect’ initiative, we have already shut down more than 1,200 unlicensed smoke shops, confiscated an estimated $80 million worth of illegal products, and seized thousands of illegal vapes. This is a major example of the significant results we are achieving in improving New Yorkers’ quality of life and builds on the gains we’ve made in keeping communities safe. Last month alone saw a decrease in homicides, robberies, burglaries, grand larcenies, transit crime, and car theft, but we know there is still more to do. Our administration will continue to focus on our mission of making New York City a safer, more affordable city, and today’s announcement is another example of just that.”

Earlier this year, Adams trekked up to Albany to lobby the State to grant regulatory authority to municipalities. After the State Legislature gave cities the legal green light, Adams launched Operation Padlock to Protect, which systematically conducts joint operations — including inspections and follow-up inspections — in neighborhoods across the five boroughs. When illegal stores are ordered to be sealed, officers from local NYPD precincts monitor those locations to ensure compliance and to alert the Sheriff’s Office when violations of a sealing order occur.

“I was proud to mobilize New Yorkers across all five boroughs to pass my SMOKEOUT Act in the State budget, authorizing the City to shut down illegal smoke shops for good. Illegal flavored e-cigarettes were among the stores’ many dangerous products, which they marketed to children with bright packaging and candy flavors,” Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) said. “Today’s destruction of 1,246 pounds of illegal vaping products will save thousands of our children from a lifetime of nicotine addiction and lung damage—proof positive that we are winning the war on illegal smoke shops. This demonstrates what we can achieve when all levels of government come together to address the issues facing New Yorkers.”

Photo Courtesy of Google

The recorded confrontation between Ragano and the witness took place at this used auto parts yard in Ridgewood.

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

Since launching Operation Padlock to Protect earlier this year, the City has seized more than $80 million in illegal products.

Defendant Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Stabbing Man after Victim’s GF Refused his Advances

By Forum Staff

A Jamaica man has been sentenced to a decade in prison for stabbing a man in the backyard of the victim’s home in February 2022, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on Thursday.

Rahlik Pinnock, 35, pleaded guilty on Sept. 25 to assault in the first degree before Queens Supreme Court Justice Michelle Johnson, who sentenced the defendant on Thursday to 10 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision.

According to the charges:

On Feb. 1, 2022, at approximately 11:50 p.m., Pinnock made advances toward a woman from inside his vehicle. He then followed the woman inside a liquor store on Sutphin Boulevard.

The woman phoned her 22-year-old boyfriend, who arrived at the liquor store and confronted Pinnock. The boyfriend punched Pinnock, and Pinnock tried to get the man to go into his car.

Pinnock left the store and drove away in a gray SUV. The victim walked several blocks to his home in Jamaica along with his girlfriend. As he neared the house, the victim was approached from behind by Pinnock, who chased him into the backyard. Pinnock pulled out a knife and stabbed the man multiple times in the chest and arm. Pinnock immediately fled the scene.

The victim was taken to a local hospital where he underwent life-saving surgery for stab wounds that pierced through his lung

and into his heart. His girlfriend saw that Pinnock left one of his sneakers behind, later resulting in a DNA analysis linking the defendant to the crime.

Pinnock fled to Pennsylvania within 24 hours of the stabbing, where he was apprehended in June 2023 and extradited to New York to face charges.

“I thank the members of the NYPD who never gave up on this case, and my prosecutors for ensuring that a just resolution was achieved in this case,” Katz said.

City Launches Operation to Address Public Safety, Quality-of-Life Concerns along Roosevelt Avenue

By Forum Staff

Mayor Eric Adams, Interim City Police Commissioner Tom Donlon, and Councilman Francisco Moya (D-Corona) Tuesday night launched a multi-agency enforcement action — dubbed “Operation Restore Roosevelt” — aimed at addressing public safety and quality of life in Elmhurst, North Corona, and Jackson Heights.

Over the past year, members of the NYPD have been addressing community concerns about prostitution, illegal brothels, unlicensed vendors and food carts, retail theft and the sale of stolen goods, and other quality-of-life offenses along Roosevelt Avenue. To expand efforts to tackle these continuing challenges, Adams administration officials said the City is bringing together over a dozen agencies under the “Community Link” initiative, a collaborative, sustained, and intensive multi-agency response to persistent quality-of-life and public safety issues. Additional support from State law enforcement partners to enforce the law and deliver essential services to New Yorkers will be provided, Adams noted.

“This road should be the pride of our city, but for too long it has been plagued by persistent public safety and quality-of-life issues. We won’t allow this to continue any

longer,” Hizzoner said. “Our administration has a clear mission: to make New York a safer, more affordable city, and we will not rest until we have accomplished that mission.”

Operation Restore Roosevelt aims to restore safety and order to the area while delivering resources for those impacted by the issues plaguing Roosevelt Avenue, the mayor added. The approach will utilize the enforcement capabilities of various city agencies. The NYPD will address crime and quality-

of-life offenses, including unlicensed vendors, trademark counterfeiting, prostitution, ghost car and moped enforcement, and excessive noise. The Department of Buildings will enforce regulations regarding illegal occupancy and obstructed sidewalks. The Department of Transportation will enforce dilapidated and out-of-code dining sheds, while the Sanitation Department will address vendor violations and illegal dumping. The Fire Department will enforce propane tank and open

flame regulations. As part of the operation, NYPD and partner agencies will also identify specific individuals in the area who may need connections to services, such as housing or medical care, and make referrals to the appropriate city agency or service provider.

“We are listening to the concerns of this community and finding permanent solutions to longstanding public safety and quality-of-life issues,” Donlon said. “To do that, we are using the collaborative approach that has led to improved conditions in neighborhoods across our city — and now, with Mayor Adams’ leadership, we are focusing our collective efforts here. It is what the residents and businesses on Roosevelt Avenue rightfully demand, and the NYPD is going to get the job done.”

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz added, “Addressing the pressing issues on Roosevelt Avenue is a priority for my office. Nearby families and residents have the right to feel safe in their own neighborhoods. The dedicated multi-agency effort announced today will serve as a strong deterrent for the illegal activity plaguing this area. At the same time, we remain dedicated to connecting those caught in the cycle of prostitution with meaningful services and support while prosecuting the individuals managing and patronizing these illicit establishments.”

File Photo

Queens DA Melinda Katz called the investigation and guilty plea “a just resolution” to the case.

Photo Courtesy of Google

Pinnock made advances toward a woman inside a liquor store on Sutphin Boulevard.

Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

“This road should be the pride of our city, but for too long it has been plagued by persistent public safety and quality-of-life issues,” Mayor Adams said of Roosevelt Avenue.

DESHPREMIK. US LLC Filed 9/5/2024. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: JB MEMITONE, 21 CLARK AVE. MELVILLE, NY, 11746.USA Purpose: General.

RAPTOR STUDIOS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/22/24. 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 MENGXI ZHOU, 13105 40TH RD, APT PH3N, FLUSHING, NY, 11354,USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

MARVEL CLEANING NYC LLC Filed 9/5/2024. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: ANDREA MARTINEZ, 2315 121ST. STREET, 2F, COLLEGE POINT, NY, 11356, USA. Purpose: General.

SWEET LUXE OASIS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/21/24. 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 ZENBUSINESS INC., 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

JIWOO PARK ARCHITECTURE PLLC Filed 9/5/2024. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: The PLLC, 3215 35th Street, #E2, Astoria, NY, 11106, USA. Purpose: General.

RI TATTS LLC. Filed 5/10/2024. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: FRANCES MOSLEY, 107-33 118TH ST. QUEENS, NY 11418. Purpose: General.

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF THE TRUMAN 2021 SC9 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. KEYA ROYSTER AS ADMINISTRATRIX AND HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF PAMELA JAMES, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July 10, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on September 20, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 6932 Burchell Avenue, Arverne, NY 11692. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Arverne, in the Fifth Ward of the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 16048 and Lot 45. Approximate amount of judgment is $312,382.74 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #728147/2021. Michael F. Mongelli, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 221030-1

Notice of Formation of Hillside Story Property LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 8/12/24. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 15 Francis Terrace, Glen Cove, NY 11542. Purpose: any lawful activity.

MELANYX SKIN LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/01/24. 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 ZENBUSINESS INC., 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

EONLIGHT LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/23/24. 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 YA XI WANG, 58-40 217TH STREET, BAYSIDE, NY, 11364-1912,USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

ORDINARY SUNDAY FILMS LLC

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/21/24. 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 ZENBUSINESS INC., 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Nightcap Creative, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/29/2024. 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, 5205 Queens B lvd, 6G Woodside, NY 11377. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

AD INSPIRE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/15/2024. 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, 6913 58TH RD, MASPETH, NY,11378,USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

JP&L PRO CLEANING SERVICE

LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/16/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: JANY PEREZ 28-28 43RD STREET, 2ND FLOOR, QUEENS, NY, 11103,USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

WHL HOLDINGS LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/11/2024. 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, 42-06A, Bell Blvd, Ste 248, Bayside, NY 11361. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Legal Notices

KAISENCE SOLUTIONS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/12/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: BRANDON LAM, 139-39 35TH AVE, APT 2D, FLUSHING, NY, 11354,USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

BRILLISKIN LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/24/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZENBUSINESS INC., 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 1, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

LOPEZ-RIVERA GROUP LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/24/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Rafael Lopez, 126-41 148th Street, Jamaica, NY 11436. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

WYNONA CREATIVE AND EVENTS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/30/24. 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 BIANCA WYNONA ALEXIS CABALDA PLANAS, 58-12 QUEENS BLVD, SUITE 2 #1024, QUEENS, NY, 11377, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

WAGS&WIGGLES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/18/24. 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 ZENBUSINESS INC., 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice is hereby given that license #NA-0340-23-109913 has been applied by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, cider and wine in a restaurant under the alcoholic beverage control law at 116-11 SUTPHIN BLVD, JAMAICA, NY 11434 for onpremises consumption. AKASHA BAR & EVENT HALL INC d/b/a AKASHA RESTAURANT.

MEDELLACARE LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/26/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZENBUSINESS INC., 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

CXRE 5 LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/01/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZENBUSINESS INC., 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Midtown Oral Surgery PLLC filed w/ SSNY 8/7/24. Off. in Queens Co. Process served to SSNY - desig. as agt. of LLC & mailed to the PLLC, 102-10 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Any lawful purpose.

SHOP UP LLC filed w/ SSNY 8/13/24. Off. in Queens Co. Process served to SSNY - desig. as agt. of LLC & mailed to the FRANCISMAR MIQUILENA, 23915 88TH AVE, BELLROSE, NY, 11426, USA. Any lawful purpose.

Notice is hereby given that license #NA-0340-23-109913 has been applied by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, cider and wine in a restaurant under the alcoholic beverage control law at 11611 SUTPHIN BLVD, JAMAICA, NY 11434 for on-premises consumption.

AKASHA BAR & EVENT HALL INC d/b/a AKASHA RESTAURANT.

SECRETSOFPOE.COM LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/26/2024. 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, 24664 87 TH AVE., BELLROSE, NY, 11426, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

LEGAL NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT OF SALE

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS. NYCTL 1998-2 TRUST, and THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as Collateral Agent and Custodian for the NYCTL 1998-2 TRUST, Plaintiffs -against- 118-80 MONTAUK LLC, et al. Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated July 15, 2024 and entered on July 24, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., in Courtroom # 25, Jamaica, NY 11435, on Friday, or at such other location in the courthouse that the Court may designate for conducting this foreclosure auction on October 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the westerly side of Montauk Street, distant 732.74 feet southerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the said westerly side of Montauk Street and the southerly side of Baisley Boulevard; being a plot 76 feet by 156.13 feet by 229.22 feet by 30 feet. Block: 12452 Lot: 79 Said premises known as 118-80 MONTAUK STREET, SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412 Approximate amount of lien $285,733.99, through January 4, 2024, plus interest fees amp; costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 704668/2020.

JOSEPH F. DEFELICE, ESQ., Referee Seyfarth Shaw LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiffs 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018 The above sale, originally scheduled for October 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. has been postponed. The new sale date has been rescheduled for October 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the same place. JOSEPH F. DEFELICE, ESQ., Referee.

180-01 JAMAICA PROPERTY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/11/24. 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, 84-84 164th Street, Jamaica, NY 11432. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.