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Friday, July 31, 2015

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 2 Convicted of Raping Male Roommate on Christmas E...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 2 Convicted of Raping Male Roommate on Christmas E...: 2 Convicted of Raping Male Roommate on Christmas Eve BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- District Attorney Robert Johnson announced that a Bronx...

2 Convicted of Raping Male Roommate on Christmas Eve

2 Convicted of Raping Male Roommate on Christmas Eve

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- District Attorney Robert Johnson announced that a Bronx Supreme Court jury has found two men guilty in the Christmas Eve 2013 sexual assault and beating of their roommate.

When you picture a sexual assault, the automatic assumption is that the victim is female.  But a vast minority of sex assault victims are men. And so was the victim of now-convicted 34-year-old Orlando Carrera and 44-year-old Felix Ojeda-Flores.

Flores and Carrera were convicted following a week-long trial and a day’s worth of deliberation, found guilty to have acted in concert, committing the crimes of: criminal sexual act in the first degree (1 count each defendant) – Class B Felony[1]; criminal sexual act in the third degree (1 count each defendant) – Class E Felony; assault in the third degree – Class A Misdemeanor; criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree – Class A Misdemeanor.

When the defendants are both sentenced on August 17th before Supreme Court Justice John Carter (Room 560, Hall of Justice, 265 E. 161st Street), they each face a maximum of 25 years in prison.

This was a case of power and control, with two men dominating a third, as the roommates spent the Christmas Eve afternoon drinking with a fourth man, who had prior, minor beefs with the victim. The three men each rented a bedroom in their apartment on Wallace Avenue, just off Lydig Avenue – where Carrera lived with his wife and three-year-old child. But it was just the men at home that afternoon when Flores bullied the third roommate, a disabled construction worker.  He challenged the now-38-year-old man, “Fight me or give me your ass” – whereupon Carrera knocked him to the floor with a stick, Flores grabbed his head and held him down while Carrera pulled down his pants. Carrera sexually assaulted his roommate, then Flores took his turn.

The victim escaped to the bathroom, but when he tried to exit to his bedroom, the two assailants pitched beer bottles and plates, everything they could grab from the kitchen.

The assaulted man was so traumatized, he did not tell anyone for days – not even his family with whom he spent Christmas. As with any sexual assault it is hard for the victim/survivor to come forward and report to law enforcement. Even when a police report is filed it still remains difficult for the victim to continue to proceed with the criminal charges. This is was a result of shame, guilt and misconceptions by societal views on sexual assault. 

When a sexual assault occurs most think it is about sex. However, it is really about power and control of another. The perpetrator often gets more satisfaction by making someone submit to their perverse desires without their consent.

The difficulty in these cases is why the Bronx District Attorney’s Office has a Crime Victims Assistance Unit (CVAU) that provides both concrete and supportive services in addition to accompanying victims to trials.  In order to deal with the crisis and long term effects, on-site therapists are also available. The CVAU is reachable at the main office (198 E. 161st Street, 718-490-2115) or its satellite office at 4101 White Plains Road (718-798-5892).  There need not be an arrest or a pending case in order for Bronx victims to obtain help. 

#NYPD #BronxDA #Rape #NewYork

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): #PoliticsNY

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): #PoliticsNY: Which Politician is Next to Go By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS) - This past week saw two state senators removed...

#PoliticsNY

Which Politician is Next to Go

By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- This past week saw two state senators removed from office after juries found them guilty after trials. 
Now former Republican Tom Libous was found guilty of lying to the FBI, while now former Democrat John Samson was found guilty of obstruction. Both trials were conducted by the U.S. Attorney's office, and the question is who will be next to go or be indicted. 

In watching the political rundown on New York 1 last Wednesday when it came to item 4 Albany vacations, the subject was the Governor's rafting and Assembly Speaker's upstate trip. Both commentators Gerston Berrero and Curtis Swila passed over the governor to talk about Speaker Carl Heastie. Berrero wanted to know if Heastie was getting paid for the trip upstate, and said that no Per Diem should be put in for. Swila on the other hand, held up a sign that had Heastie's name with 7 numbers with CAMP FED on the bottom saying you are going to one of the many Camp Feds Carl. After this part was over Berrero added to Swila “Give Carl a break he can get into trouble himself.” 
Speaking of Assemblyman Heastie, in my wanting to contact him there seems to be an innocent victim in his Bronx office. When Mr. Jamaal Bailey one of Heastie's staffers gave me the wrong number for the assemblyman's press person twice, the third time I went in Mr. Bailey was out to lunch. When I pressed the lone staffer she seemed to get nervous and the Chief of staff would not come out to answer my question as to when Mr. Bailey went out to lunch or when Mr. Bailey would be coming back from lunch. I have since taken down the photos of the innocent staffer, and offer my regrets if the posting was taken the wrong way by her or her friends or family. 

As for Assemblyman Carl Heastie, the U.S. Attorney must be closing in on you Carl as on your latest campaign filing of July 15th 2015 you finally put those items that were left off your last few filings, including the one dated June 10, 2010. Five years late, how do you explain that one Carl? After all I am going to have to ask you my questions in this column and wait to see if you give me or your constituents an answer. Next week another question Carl. As for the $6,500 item on April 8, 2015 to the Friends of Jamaal T. Bailey listed as a campaign contribution, you know it was sent to 30 Beaver Court Staten Island. I didn't know that Staten Island was in the district Mr. Bailey is to be running in. As for you Mr. Bailey there may be an assembly seat opening up soon that you are very familiar with where you can transfer that check to. 

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. held an event last week at Borough Hall to honor the new committee that was formed to run the 2015 Dominican Day Parade, and you can read more and see photos of the event on my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com. Also on my blog is a recap of Friday nights Abrazo Dominicana in New York by the old Team Diaz, that I now will call Team Crespo 2015. Check my blog to find out why I have renamed Team Diaz to Team Crespo, as Assemblyman and Bronx democratic County Leader Marcos Crespo ran the show. You will also see the latest member of Team Crespo Assemblyman Victor Pichardo who partook in the event. Also on the blog is Saturday's Van Nest Family Day held jointly by Assemblymen Mark Gjonaj and Luis Sepulveda who jointly cover the Van Nest area. 

On Tuesday August 5th the 52nd Pct. Will be having their National Night Out on Mosholu Parkway South between Van Cortlandt and Bainbridge Avenues, and you can see the flier on my blog. Also the Committee of 100 Democrats will be hosting their 11th Annual Free Community Barbecue on Saturday August 15th in the rear yard and huge parking lot behind 212 Lisbon Place the home of the Chairman of the Committee of 100 Democrats Mr. Ricky Martinez. This is off Mosholu Parkway and East 205th Street on the Grand Concourse side of the Parkway service road. The program is still being finalized, and will run from 1 – 6 p.m. See you there. 

If you have any political information that you want to share or have checked out, any comments about this column, or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on my blog you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Bloods busted

'Butt Naked' Bloods Members Busted

Gangs Terrorized Castle Hill, Co-op City






 

BRONX, NEW YORK, (BRONX NEWS)- Law enforcement busted two affiliates of the Bloods street gang, who sold drugs and guns terrorizing residents in Castle Hill and Parkchester. With street names like "Butt Naked" and "L Murda" 23 members of the gangs were indicted on a 217-count grand jury indictment, Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson announced. 



“With these arrests and indictments, we have been able to prevent further violence from occurring," Johnson said. "This is part of our ongoing drive to combat gun violence and drugs, to make the streets of the Bronx even safer for our deserving, hard-working citizens.”



Dubbed Operation Black Stone, the NYPD made simultaneous arrests of most of those who are charged; two more defendants were in custody.



The most serious charges involve attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and enterprise corruption, under the New York State statutes that target organized crime and activities of criminal enterprises.  



It is alleged that, at the top level, was the UGSN.  Under the jurisdiction of that umbrella organization were eight branches, known as “Kaves,” of which the Black Stone Gorilla Gangstas (BSGG) was one.  Another was the GSG – Gorilla Stone Gangstas.



Those alleged BSGG and UGSN leaders/members under indictment for Enterprise Corruption are:



Rahsaan "Low Rider" Samuels, age 39, alleged to be the leader of UGSN

Cory "Angry" Hickson, age 27, alleged to be the leader of the BSGG

Leon "L Murda" Lewis, age 30, alleged to lead GSG

Hameed "Dyno" Abdul-Jabbar, age 21

Robert "EZ" Alvarez, age 27

Jhon "Tito" Bernabel, age 21

Daniel "D-Rock " Diaz, age 24

Kwesi "Beast"/"Rozay" Ferguson, age 28

Joshua "Pookie" Garcia, age 24

Tyrell "Rell" Griffin, age 35

Justin "Ram Rock" Guzman, age 25

Brandon “Untouchable Dot” Nieves, age 29

Angel “Ace” Pagan, age 26

Jeffrey “Stacks”/”J.J.” Perez, age 25



Additionally, a number of BSGG and UGSN associates were indicted for a variety of related offenses, from conspiracy to commit murder to narcotics sales, committed over the course of the investigation. Those indicted for these related offenses are:



Randy “Scrams” Allen, age 32

Asante "PI" Blake, age 33              

Calyn Diaz, age 18

Michael “Butt Naked” Hamilton, age 23

Matthew Harris, age 32

Dario "Dee O" Miranda, age 18

Kelvin “Kapo” Mosquea, age 24

Jeffrey “Stacks”/”J.J.” Perez, age 25

Amaury “Gotti” Urena, age 25

Annette "Netty” Zabala 



Beginning in September of 2013, detectives with the NYPD Bronx Gang Squad, working with the Rackets Bureau of the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, initiated an investigation into narcotics trafficking and violence perpetrated by members of The Black Stone Gorilla Gangstas (“BSGG”) as well as other kaves, all organized under the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation (“UGSN”), a principal branch of the Bloods Gang. 



Starting in May of 2014, the investigation into the crimes of UGSN members included the use of court-approved wiretaps on an extensive number of cellular telephones belonging to a number of UGSN members. Evidence developed over the wiretapped telephones established a wide reaching criminal enterprise that engaged in a multitude of illegal criminal activities to generate income and exert control over particular areas within Bronx County, as well as other jurisdictions.



The reach of UGSN, as determined during the course of the investigation, extended far beyond the borders of the Bronx. Over the wiretapped telephones, defendants were intercepted allegedly directly contacting fellow UGSN members in other jurisdictions, coordinating ongoing illegal activities on behalf of the criminal enterprise. It is also alleged they regularly discussed criminal activities of fellow gang members that had occurred in other New York counties or in other states. And, it is further alleged that some members of the UGSN regularly traveled to Maryland to commit crimes.



The crimes perpetrated by UGSN members, amongst others, included an extensive number of illegal narcotics sales, possession and/or sale of illegal firearms, as well as violent criminal offenses and conspiracies to commit violent felonies.



As detailed in the indictment, the crimes committed by the defendants were crimes committed on behalf of, and in furtherance of UGSN, a structured criminal organization with a defined hierarchy of leaders that demands strict allegiance by all its members. In fact, the UGSN employed a rigid hierarchical structure, which included positions ranging from top-ranked members to street soldiers.



“This operation is another example of the NYPD targeting a group of individuals responsible for a disproportionate amount of violence and narcotic trafficking,” said Police Commissioner William J. Bratton. “These alleged gang members who compromised the quality of life of Bronx residents were arrested and indicted thanks to the hard work of the Gang Squad Bronx, the prosecutors at the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners who continue to work together to protect our communities.”



“Today we dismantled a criminal organization responsible for flooding Bronx streets with large amounts of cocaine,” said Raymond R. Parmer Jr., special agent in charge Homeland Security Investigations New York. “New York City residents deserve communities free of dangerous drugs and the violence that comes with them, and HSI will continue working with our law enforcement partners to bring  these offenders to justice.








Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): #Legionnaires Outbreak

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): #Legionnaires Outbreak: Health Dept Investigating #Legionnaires Outbreak BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS) - Thirty-one cases have been reported since July 10. The...

#Legionnaires Outbreak

Health Dept Investigating #Legionnaires Outbreak


BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Thirty-one cases have been reported since July 10. There have also been two deaths reported in patients with Legionnaires' disease in these neighborhoods. The Health Department is actively investigating these deaths and their relationship to the outbreak. The Health 




Department is testing water from cooling towers and other potential sources in the area to determine the source of the outbreak. New Yorkers with respiratory symptoms, such as fever, cough, chills and muscle aches, are advised to promptly seek medical attention.

“We are concerned about this unusual increase in Legionnaires’ disease cases in the South Bronx,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett. “We are conducting a swift investigation to determine the source of the outbreak and prevent future cases. I urge anyone with symptoms to seek medical attention right away.”

Legionnaires' disease is caused by the bacteria Legionella. Additional symptoms include: headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion and diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear two to 10 days after significant exposure to Legionella bacteria. Most cases of Legionnaires’ disease can be traced to plumbing systems where conditions are favorable for Legionella growth, such as whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks, cooling towers, and evaporative condensers of large air-conditioning systems.

Legionnaires' disease cannot be spread from person to person. Groups at high risk for Legionnaire’s disease include people who are middle-aged or older – especially cigarette smokers – people with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems and people who take medicines that weaken their immune systems (immunosuppressive drugs). Those with symptoms should call their doctor and ask about testing for Legionnaire’s disease.