One-Two Punch Sox Boston

One-Two Punch Sox Boston

Pitching, Hitting Takes Out Red Sox

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 11- Michael Pineda made his second start of the year and his first at Yankee Stadium on Thursday night. His start on April 5 at Toronto was his first since September 21, 2011. His last victory in the majors came on July 30, 2011. A serious shoulder injury and surgery kept him out of the majors for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

In each of his starts this month, Pineda pitched six innings and gave up only one earned run. He was given the loss on April 5 because the Yankees were shut out. The situation was different five days later. 

Yankee batters managed more than one hit in only two innings but made those hits count. Jacoby Ellsbury was safe on an error to begin the fourth frame. Carlos Beltran followed with a single to right, his fourth hit in the last two games. Ellsbury scored the first run in the game as the next batter, Brian McCann, broke a 0 for 14 streak with a run batted in single. McCann spoke about the hit, “I found a hole. I really needed that hit.” The second run crossed the plate on a double play on Alfonso Soriano.

The Yanks scored their final two runs in the next inning. With one out, Dean Anna hit his first major league home run. The 27 year-old was acquired from the San Diego Padres in a trade on November 20, 2013. The native of Illinois made his major league debut on April 4. He said, “Words can’t explain it.” He then tried to, “It feels really good to hit a home run at Yankee Stadium against the Red Sox. He [Buchholz] threw a change-up [and] I hit it well.”

Asked if he felt like giving up after playing 554 minor league games before reaching the majors, the infielder remarked, “You just have to keep your head down and work, work, work.”

The second run scored that inning was by Derek Jeter, who doubled with two out. Jeter was driven in by a single from Ellsbury, in his first game against his former team. In a pre-game press conference, the new Yankee commented that playing for both the Red Sox and Yankees was “pretty special.”

The only Boston run was scored on a seventh inning lead-off homer by Daniel Nava.

The four runs for the Yankees were more than sufficient for the win because of Yankee pitching. Pineda’s six inning performance was impressive. He gave up one run and four hits, walked two and fanned seven. 

Yankee skipper Joe Girardi was pleased, “He pitched extremely well. He mixed his pitches, location was really good, he had command of the strike zone. We’re glad to have him back.”

David Phelps, the reliever who got the save with an outstanding 2.1 innings on the mound, also praised Pineda, “He [Pineda] did a great job carrying us. He keeps guys off balance.”

Girardi also gave credit to Phelps, “Outstanding performance on his part, got huge outs for us.”

CC Sabathia (Yanks) and Jon Lester (Red Sox) will be the starters of the second contest of the big rivalry on Friday night. 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 63 ‘Bloods’ Members Indicted on Murder, Drugs

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 63 ‘Bloods’ Members Indicted on Murder, Drugs: 63 ‘Bloods’ Members Indicted on Murder, Drugs BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 10 - District Attorney Robert T. Johnson and New York City Police ...

63 ‘Bloods’ Members Indicted on Murder, Drugs

63 ‘Bloods’ Members Indicted on Murder, Drugs

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 10- District Attorney Robert T. Johnson and New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton announced the arrests and indictment of 63 reputed ‘Bloods’ gang members and associates following a two-year-long joint investigation which began following an increase in shooting incidents. 

The spike in shootings occurred in the vicinity of 169^th Street and Washington Avenue, an area known as ‘The Nine’ in the Morrisania section of the Bronx. Much of the gang affiliated violence occurred in and around two New York City Housing Authority developments, the Webster Houses and the Gouverneur Morris Houses.

All 63 ‘Bloods’ affiliated ‘Mac Ballas’ named in the 109 count indictment are charged with multiple counts of conspiracy to traffic in illegal narcotics including heroin, crack cocaine, powdered cocaine, and the prescription drugs Oxycodone and Percocet. Transactions involving the illegal drugs occurred not only in the Bronx but in Chelsea, East Harlem and the Lower East Side in Manhattan, Binghamton, New York, and Tuckahoe, New York.

The defendants are also charged with conspiring to commit two murders, four attempted murders, a kidnapping, several assaults, home invasion robberies and burglaries, as well as criminal possession of firearms on numerous occasions.

The charges in the indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Johnson said, “All law enforcement personnel involved in this investigation should be very proud of what has been accomplished with these arrests and this indictment which alleges an extensive catalogue of violent crimes. Our continued cooperative efforts should go a long way in helping to secure convictions of these defendants and thereby improve the quality of life for the residents of Morrisania by eradicating the murder and mayhem in their streets.”

Bratton said, “Today’s indictments send a very clear message to those criminals who prey upon our communities and recruit our youth into a culture of violence; we will work tirelessly to track you down and hold you accountable for your illegal actions.   We hope the families of the victims affected by these criminals will get some comfort in knowing that the Mac Balla Family (MBF) and their associates will be brought to justice.   I want to thank all of the agencies involved in this extensive investigation for dismantling one of the city’s most violent criminal enterprises.”

The lengthy investigation involved the use of court ordered wiretaps, video surveillance, GPS technology, as well as monitored telephone calls from gang leaders directing gang business from city and state correctional facilities. There were also purchases of various narcotic and prescription drugs by undercover investigators.

According to the indictment the defendants are accused of engaging in the conspiracy from approximately April 3, 2009 through April 7, 2014.

Each of the defendants is facing a maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment if convicted of the most serious of the conspiracy counts, Conspiracy in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony offense.

One defendant, Larry Calderon, is facing a maximum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole if found guilty of Murder in the First Degree in the contract killing of Frank Russell in October 2011. 

It is alleged that Calderon ordered the ‘hit’ because reputed gang member Russell attempted an unauthorized home invasion robbery in which an accomplice was shot and left behind to die, in violation of the Mac Balla’s code of conduct.

Calderon has also been charged with murder in the second degree while ‘acting-in-concert’ with three men Akive Rivera, Adam Kinley, and a third un-apprehended individual, in causing Russell’s death on October 28, 2011. If convicted of Murder in the second degree the defendants would be facing a maximum sentence of up to 25 years to life imprisonment.

A second homicide charged in the indictment involved the shooting death of Mathew Simmons on June 26, 2013. Simmons, an alleged marijuana dealer, was the target of a robbery allegedly committed by Mattyias Letang, Tyrell Nash, and a third un-apprehended individual. They are facing a top count of murder in the second degree, while ‘acting-in-concert’ in causing Simmons’ death. Conviction on the top count is punishable by a maximum sentence of 25 years to life imprisonment.

The indictment includes charges against eight defendants in four attempted murders and a kidnapping. All four attempted murders were shootings at various street locations involving ‘beefs’ with members of rival gangs. Damien Matos allegedly shot Jeffrey Bolden on May 17, 2012. Russell Clark and an un-apprehended individual were charged in the shooting of Jason Rivera on June 12, 2012. Tyrell Nash was charged with the attempted murder of Jerome Roman and the assault of India Scarborough in shootings on July 1, 2012. Scarborough was a bystander caught in the line of fire. Nash was also charged in a second attempted murder, along with Mattyais Letang, in the shooting of another rival gang member, on August 13, 2013. Adam Kindley, Michael Herbin and Michael Monroe were charged with kidnapping the son of a reputed drug dealer and rapper on June 14, 2012. These defendants are facing a maximum sentence of up to 25 years imprisonment if convicted on the attempted murder, assault, and kidnapping charges. 

27 of the 63 defendants named in the indictment were already in custody on other matters when investigators began executing arrest warrants on Monday, April 7, 2014. A number of the defendants named in the indictment being announced today are also facing federal charges announced last month by the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District.

This investigation is continuing and additional arrests are expected. 15 of the 63 people indicted are still being sought by law enforcement.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Assistant District Christine Scaccia.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Phenomenal Start for Yankee Rookie Yangervis Solar...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Phenomenal Start for Yankee Rookie Yangervis Solar...: Phenomenal Start for Yankee Rookie Yangervis Solarte By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 10- -The cycle of life can be seen in this ye...

Phenomenal Start for Yankee Rookie Yangervis Solarte

Phenomenal Start for Yankee Rookie Yangervis Solarte

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 10--The cycle of life can be seen in this year’s Yankee infield. One individual is about to depart while another is about to begin a life. Yankee captain Derek Jeter’s playing career in Major League Baseball (MLB) will end at the conclusion of this season while Yangervis Solarte made his debut in the majors last week.

The absence of Jeter will be noticed and commented upon throughout the nation. 

On the other hand, Solarte began as a Yankee with little notice. At the age of 18, the Venezuelan signed a contract with the Minnesota Twins as a non-drafted free agent. In six minor league seasons, Solarte saw limited playing time.

In the winter of 2011, he was signed as a minor league free agent by the Texas Rangers. In two full seasons at the Rangers’ Triple A affiliate in Round Rock, Solarte batted an impressive .340 and .323 in respective seasons. His combined minor league batting average was .286 in 672 games. 

The 26 year-old signed with the Yankees in January of this year as a minor league free agent. At the conclusion of the 2014 Spring Training, Solarte was moved to the Yankees roster in place of Eduardo Nuñez, who was traded to the Twins this week. Solarte earned his promotion by batting .429 (18 for 42) and driving in nine runs in 24 games. 

Solarte made his major league debut on April 2 as a pinch hitter for Kelly Johnson. His first start in the majors on the following day was an auspicious occasion as he batted 3 for 3 and drew a walk in four trips to the plate. His was not perfect at the plate in his next two road games but hit safely twice in each. This achievement made him the first Yankee since Joe DiMaggio in 1936 with at least two hits in each of his first three starts in the majors. 

In his four starts on the Yankees first road trip of the season, he hit safely 8 times in 15 at bats and drove in five runs.

The Yankee Stadium Opening Day start at third in front of a full house did not awe the neophyte major leaguer. He walked in his first trip to the plate and scored the first Yankee run of the afternoon. In his next at bat, he drove in a run with a single.

The rookie continued his hot batting in Tuesday afternoon’s humiliating 14-5 loss to Baltimore. He doubled home a run in the fourth, and in his next at bat, doubled again. According to Elias, Solarte is the first major leaguer since 1900 to hit, at least, six doubles in his first seven games.the two hits raised Solarte’s hitting streak to six games.

After Tuesday’s game, Yankee skipper Joe Girardi remarked, “I like what I see. He’s certainly taken advantage of this opportunity. We’re going to keep running him out there.”

The name of former Yankee third baseman Alex Rodriguez is not being currently heard at Yankee Stadium.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Tanaka has arrived in the Bronx

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Tanaka has arrived in the Bronx: Tanaka has arrived in the Bronx  Pitching Phenom Lives Up to the Hype By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 10- The slider, fast...

Tanaka has arrived in the Bronx

Tanaka has arrived in the Bronx 

Pitching Phenom Lives Up to the Hype

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 10- The slider, fastball, and change up came as advertised from Masahiro Tanaka and were on display for the first time in the Bronx Wednesday night. And for almost seven innings, Tanaka had the Baltimore Orioles knowing that the New York Yankees right-hander from Japan had arrived.

Nelson Cruz also knows that well, two of the 10-strikeout victims, courtesy of a nasty slider Tanaka throws that hit the dirt. The fastball also contributed to the swings, and looks at the plate that Cruz and the Orioles will see again.

It was Tanaka as advertised, and there will be more to come. The Yankees early season bullpen issues are more of an issue for manager Joe Girardi. 

Tanaka was asked about his first two starts and the early runs. He gave up a first inning home run in his first start, to Melky Cabrera up in Toronto. Wednesday night, the Orioles scored three runs in the second inning.

“Obviously that is something I need to adjust,” he said through his interpreter. “It’s really hard to make an assessment after two games.” And one veteran scout sitting up in the Yankee Stadium area press box said, “He will adjust. Wish we had him.”

A first inning fastball hit by Delmon Young, a double to the wall in left was the beginning of what will be an adjustment. It was clocked at 90, advertised as it came. But Young got a hold of it and Tanaka, will eventually adjust and learn how to get three easy outs in a Major League Baseball game first inning.

Adam Jones got caught swinging at a third strike, a 14-pitch first inning. Nelson Cruz got fooled and struck out in the second on a Tanaka fastball. Steve Lombordozzi followed with the second hit of the inning, lining a ball that got over the head of Yangervis Solarte at third.

But, Tanaka looked good against Cruz, one of the premiere hitters in baseball, with or without a steroid suspension on his resume. He got Cruz to strike out in the third inning on a slider that was in the dirt, but in that second inning, he continued to get a lesson.

Jonathan Schoop, on a 1-0 pitch, got hold of a slider that landed deep in the second deck out in left for an Orioles 3-0 lead. He would settle down, very identical to that first start up in Toronto. There were 58 pitches, 40 for strikes after three innings. He definitely can dominate, and on four days rest, another adjustment that he says will not be an issue.

“He made a mistake and kept a slider up,” commented Schoop. “I tried to make adjustments as he tried to elevate me, and then he made a mistake.”

However, Tanaka, as everyone knows will not make many mistakes. This is still a learning process of adjusting and learning the hitters here, even in his new home run yard known as Yankee Stadium. He allowed three earned runs and a walk.

“He battled out of tough jams, made pitches when he had to and got better as the night went along,” said Girardi, who added, Tanaka threw the ball okay. In the fifth inning with two on base and with two out, the score knotted at 3-3, on a 2-2 pitch he got Matt Wieters to go after a changeup in the dirt and get out of the inning, his eighth strikeout.

“He is as good as advertised,” claimed Orioles manager Buck Showalter. “

On his 101^st pitch, Tanaka got Young swinging on another slider for his 10^th strikeout and second of the sixth inning. He could have gone longer, but this is a process, now adjusting to the four day rest routine. In other words this is not the accustomed process of taking the mound every fifth day.  

He said, “I understand four days. Also it’s a long season and will go along with it.” 

The Orioles’ Adam Jones said, Tanaka is not facing the same hitters that were in Japan. “We groove, we hack.”

Jones struck out twice and singled in three at bats off Tanaka. He became the second Yankee pitcher to strike out at least eight batters in each of his first two Major League starts. The 10 strikeouts were the most by a Yankees rookie since Ivan Nova on August 4, of 2011 against the White Sox, and most for a rookie at home since 1998 in a game against Texas.

Yes, Tanaka has arrived. The Yankees may have their bullpen issues but a sensation from Japan will eventually go deeper into games. It is part of the adjustment and he comes as advertised.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  www.newyorksportsexaminer.com

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yanks Clobbered by O’s, 14-5

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yanks Clobbered by O’s, 14-5: Yanks Clobbered by O’s, 14-5 (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 9- For Yankee fans, the less said about Tuesd...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yanks Clobbered by O’s, 14-5

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yanks Clobbered by O’s, 14-5: Yanks Clobbered by O’s, 14-5 (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 9- For Yankee fans, the less said about Tuesd...

Yanks Clobbered by O’s, 14-5

Yanks Clobbered by O’s, 14-5

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 9- For Yankee fans, the less said about Tuesday afternoon’s game with Baltimore the better. Thus, to spare the feelings of Yankee rooters, this article will be brief. 

Yankee pitching was embarrassing. Starter Ivan Nova yielded seven runs and 10 hits in 3.2 innings before he was mercilessly lifted. After the game, Yankee skipper Joe Girardi commented on Nova, “He didn’t have his good stuff and couldn’t get through it. Whatever it was,  we have to get it corrected.”

Not to be outdone, reliever Vidal Nuno also surrendered seven runs in only 3.1 innings. Baltimore batters pounded Yankee pitching for 20 hits including home runs by Adam Jones, Delmon Young and Matt Weiters. Eight batters of the starting nine drove in runs.

Yankee batters reached Oriole hurlers for 13 hits and five runs. Alfonso Soriano and Kelly Johnson, as a pinch hitter, hit four baggers. Jacoby Ellsbury continued his torrid hitting with three hits. Soriano and rookie Yangervis Solarte each blasted two extra base hits. 

In the rubber game of the three game series on Wednesday night, Masahiro Tanaka will be making his first home start for the Yanks. Miguel Gonzalez will start for Baltimore. 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Creep on the 4 Train

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Creep on the 4 Train: Creep on the 4 Train By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 9- Police are looking for a man who molested a 13-year-old girl on a Bronx bo...

Creep on the 4 Train

Creep on the 4 Train

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 9- Police are looking for a man who molested a 13-year-old girl on a Bronx bound subway train.

The incident took place around 5:50 p.m. on March 26 on the Number 4 Train. The 13-year-old girl got on the train at the 125th Street station. The suspect approached her and started groping her. The teen exited the train at the 161st Street stop as did her attacker. However, he fled the station.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male between the ages of 20 and 40. He was seen wearing a black coat and carrying a black duffle bag. 

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

All calls are confidential.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 8 Injured in Store Collapse

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 8 Injured in Store Collapse:   By David Greene   BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 8- Eight customers of a 99 cent store were injured when a series of over-stocked shelving ...

8 Injured in Store Collapse

 

By David Greene

 

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 8- Eight customers of a 99 cent store were injured when a series of over-stocked shelving units collapsed on customers, including several children. Rescue crews were called to the Dollar Discount Outlet at 950 Morris Avenue at just before 4 p.m. on Monday, April 7. Seven of the eight injured were reported in serious condition and transported to Lincoln Hospital. All of the victims were expected to survive. The building suffered no structural damage, but the owner of the store was issued several building code violations from the Department of Buildings.

 

(A sea of firemen outside the Discount Outlet after shelves collapsed onto shoppers.--Photo by Andre Rivera)

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): One Last Time

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): One Last Time: One Last Time Derek Jeter was the highlight for his final Opening Day in the Bronx By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 7- Derek Jeter s...

One Last Time

One Last Time

Derek Jeter was the highlight for his final Opening Day in the Bronx

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 7- Derek Jeter struck out in the first inning, his final Opening Day at bat in the Bronx at Yankee Stadium. He got cheers, and what else would be more appropriate. He has been an icon in the once “House of Ruth Built” across the street and at the new stadium since 1996, and cheers will continue until his final at bat in September.

Except, Jeter is one to not take the accolades for himself and as he said again early Monday, this is not about him. It’s about his teammates and the Yankees winning another championship. And the goal for these Yankees is to win one more this season for the Captain as Jeter wears the pinstripes for a final time.

“It’s pretty much like every opening day,” said Jeter. He said the fans always treated him with respect, they get excited and it is a big deal in New York.

He said there have been a lot of wild moments, and enjoyed each and every day in the Bronx. The fans have been special. They always knew Jeter had a priority when he took the field in the Bronx. They saw that in October of 2012, the night when his season ended abruptly against the Tigers in the American League Championship Series.

Jeter struggled to get up. The pain was etched in his face, but a broken ankle prevented the Yankees Captain from leaving the field on his own. The Manager Joe Girardi had to help Jeter off the field.

So, when the player introduction commenced, there was Derek Jeter. In the Yankees dugout, and just like every Opening Day he was nervous. It is part of being a ballplayer. The nerves will flow opening the home season, except this one was extra special.

“I think I’m curious how he’s going to handle it,” said Girardi before the first pitch. “Something like today, or the last time in a city maybe, I’m curious to see how he handles that. I’m sure he’ll take a moment to reflect on that but will it be visible that he’s reflecting on it?”

See, Derek Jeter has always been one to reflect on things, especially his marvelous career. But he never made it known how he felt. His teammates over the years have said, Jeter keeps it all inside, and perhaps that’s what made him so special. After all, this is New York. The spotlight and center of attention of the New York Yankees, that being Derek Jeter, is not supposed to have hidden feelings.

This is New York, and when you play here the entire world is tuned in.

"I think people are going to show him the appreciation no matter what happens just because of what he's meant,” said Girardi.  “You think about his rings, his World Series, All-Star Games, everything he's done and the way he's played the game, I don't think his stats will have a very big impact on how they show appreciation.”

“But the stats might have an impact on people letting him go away after this season in a sense. If he has a season like we know he's capable of, people are going to say 'why aren't you going to keep playing?’"

Jeter now has the most hits for a right-handed batter in American League history. He led off the bottom of the fifth with a double that almost cleared the left field wall for a home run. New teammate, Jacoby Ellsbury, followed with a run scoring single that gave the Yankees a 3-1 lead over the Orioles.

It was a typical Jeter swing. His head slide into second, something he could not do last year, showing no effects of an injury that kept him away from an opening day in the Bronx last year.

“I've always said that Yankees fans are the greatest fans in the world,” commented Jeter. “That is no disrespect to any other team or any other sport. That's just how I feel."

And with the “Core Four” together one more time, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera, Jeter heard more of the ovations from a capacity crowd. He spent so much time in pinstripes, had those wonderful moments in the Bronx and there is no telling how many more of those moments will occur from now until late September.

For now, the Yankees and their fans will relish these final moments. It is a love affair that will never go away. Opening Day in the Bronx will just have to be a little different next April with Derek Jeter as a special guest at Yankee Stadium.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  www.newyorksportsexaminer.com

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Slash Attack Worth $5 Mil?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Slash Attack Worth $5 Mil?: Slash Attack Worth $5 Mil? Teen Sues City for Attack in Lehman HS By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 7- The attorney for a teenager sl...

Slash Attack Worth $5 Mil?

Slash Attack Worth $5 Mil?

Teen Sues City for Attack in Lehman HS

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 7- The attorney for a teenager slashed across the chin during an attack at Herbert H. Lehman High School, was expected to file a notice of claim against the city-- seeking more than $5 million in damages.

Attorney Sanford Rubenstein was expected to file papers in Manhattan on April 7, charging negligence on the part of the City of New York, the Department of Education and the New York City Police Department on behalf of his client and student Stephauan Powell, 16.

According to Rubenstein, Powell was slashed by a fellow student across the chin with a straight-edge razor in a third-floor hallway at the East Tremont Avenue school. The gash needed 20-stitches to close.

After the attack,the attorney claims his client was charged with disorderly conduct.

In the document that would be filed at 1 Centre Street, Rubenstein charges, "As a direct result of the active and passive negligence, carelessness and recklessness... respondents failed to provide enough teachers or school safety agents who could properly monitor and control all of the students."

The document also claims that either school safety agents or teachers were aware of a, "known dangerous condition," but the release does not elaborate on what that condition was.

In a prepared statement, Rubenstein said, "Students go to school to learn, not be attacked in school with a weapon and brutally slashed."

He added, "Justice for Stephauan Powell is important for all students. School's must be made safe for all those who attend."

A verdict in Powell's favor could open the city to a floodgate of lawsuits stemming from dozens of incidents that occur on school property every year. 

The attorney is seeking $5 million for the teen who suffered a 2-inch gash under his jaw as well as $500,000 for Powell's mother Latoya Santiago, 39, for her own pain and suffering.

Calls to Lehman High School Principal Rose LoBianco were not immediately returned.

A call to the Office of Public Safety, a unit of unarmed peace officers who patrol city school's and remain a division under the NYPD-- prompted an immediate, "Sorry, I can't comment," and a hang-up.

An e-mail request to Marge Feinberg, a spokeswoman at the DOE, who was described by another DOE official as one who, "handles those types of cases," who diverted all questions to the NYPD.

An NYPD spokesman stated that records show that Powell was not arrested, but was unable to say if a summons was issued for disorderly conduct.

The spokesman added that the NYPD does not comment on pending litigation. 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bowling Thieves Caught Doing the ‘Wild Thing’

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bowling Thieves Caught Doing the ‘Wild Thing’: Bowling Thieves Caught Doing the ‘Wild Thing’  By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 7- A pair of robbers are about as sharp as as bowli...

Bowling Thieves Caught Doing the ‘Wild Thing’

Bowling Thieves Caught Doing the ‘Wild Thing’ 

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 7- A pair of robbers are about as sharp as as bowling ball when they were caught on tape robbing a bowling alley with distinctive clothing.

At around 4:50 a.m. on April 4, the pair cut a hole in the roof and entered the bowling alley 2417 Hollers Avenue outside Co-op City. Surveillance cameras caught the master criminals in action as they took money from the six cash registers in the bowling alley. 

Cops are hoping the criminals’ distinctive clothing will help them catch the thieves. Video surveillance shows one of the men wearing a shirt with designs and the word “Taylor” written on it. The second suspect is seen wearing a shirt with the words “Wild Thing” written on it. Both men are between the ages of 30 and 40. 

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577. 

All calls are confidential. 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Cops, DA Close Bronx Zoo Gun Shop

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Cops, DA Close Bronx Zoo Gun Shop: Cops, DA Close Bronx Zoo Gun Shop BRONX, YORK,  APRIL 4- Gun dealers, who set up shop near the entrance to the Bronx Zoo, were indicted on ...

Cops, DA Close Bronx Zoo Gun Shop

Cops, DA Close Bronx Zoo Gun Shop

BRONX, YORK,  APRIL 4- Gun dealers, who set up shop near the entrance to the Bronx Zoo, were indicted on weapons charges stemming from sales to undercover cops.

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., and New York City Police Department Commissioner William J. Bratton announced the indictments of Javon Burgess, a/k/a “Black,” 36, and Paul Lee, a/k/a “Gangsta,” 24, for selling 39 illegal guns, ammunition, and large capacity magazines to undercover police detectives posing as Manhattan-based gun dealers. Burgess is charged with multiple counts of criminal sale of a firearm in the first, second, and third Degrees, criminal possession of a weapon in the second and third degrees, and conspiracy in the fourth degree. Lee is charged with multiple counts of criminal sale of a firearm in the first and third degrees, criminal possession of a weapon in the second and third degrees, and conspiracy in the fourth degree.

“Gun violence continues to be a serious problem for our city’s teens – kids are buying guns, kids are using guns, and kids are dying from guns,” said District Attorney Vance. “Just two days ago, my office secured a conviction against Robert Cartagena for fatally shooting Tayshana ‘Chicken’ Murphy, an 18-year-old star of her high school basketball team. Any crime prevention effort has to include stopping gun traffickers from giving young people easy access to dangerous weapons. My office’s increased focus on fighting gun violence, as well the excellent work of the NYPD, has allowed us to bring far more gun trafficking cases in recent years. Since the creation of the Violent Criminal Enterprises Unit of the DA’s Office in 2010, our prosecutors have secured 25 convictions for criminal sale of a firearm in the fFirst or second degree. This is an increase from two convictions on these charges during the previous four-year period – a increase of 1,150 percent.”

Police Commissioner William J. Bratton said: “These indictments underscore the proliferation of illegal firearms that stretch from the south to our city, thus creating the ‘Iron Pipeline’ and the community gun tactic used by criminals. Today’s cases are indicative of how criminals traffic firearms that are eventually used against young children, members of law enforcement and the community. Stopping gun violence and the illegal distribution of firearms is a focal point that will require continued collaboration with our law enforcement partners to bring criminals like these to justice. I would like to thank the NYPD Firearm’s Investigations Unit and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for their relentless efforts in this investigation.”

According to the indictment, from approximately February 2013 to September 2013, Burgess sold 26 operable guns, as well as ammunition and large capacity magazines, to an undercover police detective. The firearms, which he sold for approximately $1,000 per weapon, included a Tec-9 assault weapon and other semi-automatic pistols. Burgess is accused of selling many of these weapons in broad daylight, with five of the sales taking place near the entrance of the Bronx Zoo. The defendant obtained these guns in South Carolina, and requested that the undercover detective send payment to him in South Carolina for one of the sales through a Western Union money transfer.

In a separate case, according to the indictment, from approximately May 2013 to December 2013, Lee sold 13 operable guns to another undercover police detective. The weapons, which he sold for $550 to $900 per gun, included a sawed-off shotgun and an AP-9 assault weapon. Lee sold the weapons to the undercover detective either in East Harlem or near Co-op City in the Bronx, with some of the sales occurring in broad daylight.

The investigations were conducted jointly by the Manhattan DA’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Unit (VCEU) and the NYPD’s Firearms Investigation Unit. Since its formation in 2010, the VCEU has brought 19 indictments against 57 gun traffickers and recovered more than 875 illegal guns. 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Members of ‘Murda’ Gang Charged with Terrorizing M...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Members of ‘Murda’ Gang Charged with Terrorizing M...: Members of ‘Murda’ Gang Charged with Terrorizing Mott Haven BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 3 - US Attorney Preet Bharara, announced charges aga...

Members of ‘Murda’ Gang Charged with Terrorizing Mott Haven

Members of ‘Murda’ Gang Charged with Terrorizing Mott Haven

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 3- US Attorney Preet Bharara, announced charges against 24 members of a criminal organization, known as “Murda Moore Gangstas” (“MMG”), who controlled the area in and around the Moore Housing Projects, near East 149th Street and Jackson Avenue, in the Bronx. The MMG gang members are charged with racketeering, narcotics, and firearm offenses.

Twenty-one of the defendants, including those taken into custody and five of the defendants who were in state or federal custody on other charges, will be presented in Manhattan federal court this afternoon.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Bharara said: “Keeping our neighborhoods safe and secure from gang violence remains one of this Office’s highest priorities. Cases like this one, where we worked closely with our local and federal law enforcement partners to charge 24 leaders and members of a violent gang that allegedly terrorized the Moore Housing Projects in the Bronx, can make a big difference. All New Yorkers have the right to the peaceful enjoyment of their neighborhoods, whether they live in Mott Haven or Riverdale. That requires the combined efforts of law enforcement to make and prosecute cases like this one.”

ICE HSI Special Agent-in-Charge James T. Hayes said: “This organization’s alleged illicit activities of narcotics and weapons trafficking created a nightmare of crime and violence in the neighborhoods where they operated,” said James T. Hayes Jr., special agent in charge of HSI New York. “Only through continuous law enforcement cooperation can these criminals be taken off the streets and allow law-abiding citizens to reclaim their communities.”

DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt stated, “Law enforcement’s collaboration and resources over the past two years led to the indictments of 24 members of the Murda Moore Gangsta crew on charges ranging from racketeering, narcotics and firearms felonies. Law abiding residents in surrounding areas of the Moore Housing Projects had been caught in the crossfire of violence associated with drug trafficking. Today’s arrests are the second wave of an investigation focused on reclaiming the Mott Haven community from the carnage, crime and fear that are linked to the MMG drug operations.”

NYPD Commissioner William J. Bratton said: “The NYPD will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to track down street crews that commit violent crimes amongst law abiding citizens. The Mott Haven community and residents in the Moore and Saint Mary Park Houses will hopefully feel safer knowing that their children can now play in the area that these crew members once used as their own personal battle ground, and that these crews have been removed from their midst. I want to thank the members of the NYPD's Bronx Gang Squad, 40th Precinct, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York, for their efforts in bringing these criminals to justice.”

ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas J. Cannon said: “Today’s arrests are convincing indicators that this investigation is far from over. We are pleased to be working with our fellow agencies to ensure that all of our respective resources are being utilized as efficiently as possible. In this way, this organization will be swiftly eradicated. The people of New York deserve nothing less.”

According to the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:

From 2006 through 2014, MMG has been a criminal enterprise consisting of over 20 gang members who were involved in street robberies, assaults, and sales of crack cocaine, marijuana, and other drugs. MMG was started by five individuals – including Tevin Mizell, a/k/a “Tev Gunz,” Kevin Mizell, a/k/a “Kev Gunz,” Edwin Smith, a/k/a “Ed Black,” and Joshua Fladger, a/k/a “Millz,” the defendants – who are known, within MMG, as the “Top Five.” Later, other individuals, including, a/k/a “Sha,” and Amar Taylor, a/k/a “Capo MMG,” the defendants, also grew into leadership roles within the enterprise. MMG members protected and controlled its territory in and around the Moore Housing Projects through violence, and committed various crimes within and around that territory, like shootings, robberies, assaults, and narcotics trafficking.

In particular, MMG members have been embroiled in a continuing violent feud with several rival crews and gangs located nearby in the Bronx, such as gangs from the following areas: (1) the Betances Houses (the “Lookin’ Real Good,” or “LRG,” gang); (2) the Riverpark Towers Houses (the “RPT” gang); (3) Millbrook Housing Project (the “Killbrook Up” and “Killbrook Down” gangs); and (4) Highbridge Gardens Houses (the “Young Flybridge” gang).

In addition, as stated, certain MMG members also sold narcotics in the Moore Houses, and prohibited and prevented outsiders and rival gang members from doing so in their territory. Similarly, many members of MMG committed street-level robberies, either of drug dealers or law-abiding citizens, in and around the Moore Houses. In furtherance of the gang’s activities – namely, the violence, the narcotics distribution and the robberies – members and associates of MMG obtained, possessed, and used firearms.

Tags: Manhattan U.S. Attorney Bharara, Murda Moore Gangstas, Mott Haven

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Rapist

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Rapist: Phony Super Rapes Tenant  By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 3-  Police are asking for the public’s help in trying to catch a rapist ...

Rapist

Phony Super Rapes Tenant 

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 3-  Police are asking for the public’s help in trying to catch a rapist who posed as a building’s super to gain access to his victim.

At around 1:15 a.m. on March 24, a 25-year-old woman heard a knock on her door at her Bedford Park building. Speaking in Spanish, the suspect claimed to be the building’s superintendent and there was a gas leak in the apartment. As the woman opened the door, the suspect pushed his way inside with a handgun. He pistol whipped the woman and raped her. 

The suspect is described as a dark-skinned Hispanic male who is 6 feet tall and weighs 190 pounds.

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577. 

All calls are confidential.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Home Invaders Sought

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Home Invaders Sought: Home Invaders Sought Suspects Sought in Cedar Avenue Home Invasion By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK,  APRIL 2- Investigators are looking a...

Home Invaders Sought

Home Invaders Sought

Suspects Sought in Cedar Avenue Home Invasion

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK,  APRIL 2- Investigators are looking at surveillance video in hopes of identifying four hooded individuals wanted in connection with a University Heights home invasion.

Police say the four suspects entered the home at 2:30 p.m. on March 22, near the corner of Cedar Avenue and West Fordham Road.

The armed intruders held two victims at gunpoint and tied up a third victim before ransacking the home for valuables. Police say the thieves made off with $20,000 cash and other valuables before fleeing in the families BMW SUV.

Police have released photos of the four suspects and ask that if anyone knows the identity of the perpetrators to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls are confidential.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bronx Holds Baby Shower for new Moms

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bronx Holds Baby Shower for new Moms: Bronx Holds Baby Shower for new Moms Marketing & Advertising Solutions Inc. (MAS) presented the third “ Mommy To Bee Exp...

Bronx Holds Baby Shower for new Moms

Bronx Holds Baby Shower for new Moms

Marketing & Advertising Solutions Inc. (MAS) presented the third “Mommy To Bee Expo” for tri-state area Moms and Moms-to-Be, the ONLY ‘baby shower expo’ in the Bronx! Attendees and their families were so eager, there was a noteworthy line outside the venue an hour before the doors opened! The Villa Barone Manor then filled with 400 mommies, their families, vendors, and sponsors across the Grand Ballroom.

Expectant moms, new moms and moms of toddlers learned about essential products and services from newborn care, childcare, fitness and healthcare, to Baby Products, Entertainment, Apparel & Accessories, Feeding, Gear, Gifts, Insurance, Nursery Products, Photography, Pregnancy & Maternity, and more– all while learning how to prepare for their growing families this spring. It was a baby shower for moms to learn about new baby services, local products and resources, and shop for their baby’s needs, a one-stop shop.

Moms, Dads, Grandparents, Godparents, Aunts, kids of all ages and more were welcomed. Annette Rios of the Bronx said, “We had an awesome time with my daughter-in-law and grandson...great exhibits and informative too.” 

Claire Lopez said, “We had a good time at the expo. Thanks for the info and all the free goodies!” 

Moms were also invited to take a load off and relax while their older children attended onsite daycare provided by Tender Tots Childcare Center, and to enjoy the extensive conference program in the banquet area hosted by Rhina Valentin with light fare and Mommy Mocktails!

Tickets to the event also included access to 60+ vendors and sponsors, spectacular giveaways like a Tike Tech All Terrain X3 Sport Single Stroller valued at $300! Also, a Portrait Experience valued at over $500 from Venture Photography, a lovely multi-colored hospital bag from BFFL, Co, a “Baby Bump Social” reveal party from The Party Styler, a gift basket from BabyGanics and a family 4 pack of tickets to the Bronx Zoo. As well as a complimentary stroller cleaning from Clean Bee Baby while moms shopped. The entertainment and dance contest was offered by The Rhythm Cartel and photos by Miriam Quinn! 

“I was so excited and thrilled that we provided a service to so many expectant moms while they discovered helpful resources for the well-being of the mothers and their babies,” Jacqueline, CEO of MAS, Inc. said. 

The day featured speakers such as Lauren Gould of 80/20 Wellness, Inc., Holly Malone and Renso Vidal from NYC Department of Transportation, Discover A Path to Success for College Savings by Ginger Romero Pardlo of NY’s 529 College Savings Program Direct Plan, and a breast feeding panel discussion led by Tamara Hawkins of Stork & Cradle and Sharen Medrano of NYC Breastfeeding.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Vacca Opens Computer Lab for Seniors

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Vacca Opens Computer Lab for Seniors: Vacca Opens Computer Lab for Seniors Council Member James Vacca joined members of Bronx House at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the center...

Vacca Opens Computer Lab for Seniors

Vacca Opens Computer Lab for Seniors

Council Member James Vacca joined members of Bronx House at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the center’s new computer lab. The lab, which is exclusively for seniors, will house eight computers and one printer – all paid for with over $15,000 in funding provided by Council Member Vacca.