{"id":283639,"date":"2026-07-01T15:09:09","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T15:09:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/283639\/"},"modified":"2026-07-01T15:09:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T15:09:09","slug":"i-on-politics-queens-gazette-35","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/283639\/","title":{"rendered":"I On Politics – Queens Gazette"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\u00a0\"<\/a><\/p>\n

GRACE MENG WINS NY-6 PRIMARY:<\/p>\n

Grace Meng decisively won the Democratic Party\u2019s nomination to continue representing New York\u2019s 6th Congressional District.<\/p>\n

Rep. Meng released the following statement: \u201cTonight, Queens spoke, and I am humbled and grateful for the trust this community has placed in me. Over the past several years, we have delivered real investments \u2014 for our families, our schools, our small businesses, and our NYCHA communities \u2014 and tonight the people of Queens clearly said: keep going. There is so much more to do. Costs are still too high, immigrants who built this borough are under attack, and the federal government has been turned into a weapon against the very people it\u2019s supposed to serve. I will not rest until the promise of Queens \u2014 that you can come here with nothing, work hard, and build something real \u2014 is true again for every family in this district. This victory belongs to every volunteer, organizer, and neighbor who believed that the work we\u2019ve been doing together matters, and I want to congratulate Chuck Park on running a hard and spirited campaign.\u201d<\/p>\n

HIRAM MONSERRATE ON PRIMARY RESULTS:<\/p>\n

\u201cLast night\u2019s primary election has concluded, and the voters have chosen Jessica Gonz\u00e1lez-Rojas as the Democratic nominee for NYS District 13. I congratulate her on her victory and wish her success as she continues her service to our community. I want to thank every volunteer, supporter, friend, and voter who placed their trust in me throughout this campaign. I am deeply grateful for your encouragement, your hard work, and your belief in our shared vision for the future of our neighborhoods. I am also honored and humbled by the confidence the voters of East Elmhurst and Corona have once again placed in me by re-electing me as Democratic District Leader of the 35th Assembly District. I take that responsibility seriously and remain committed to serving our community with energy, integrity, and dedication. We will continue to be a voice for a safer and cleaner community and to restore Roosevelt Avenue. Our voices matter, and our collective involvement helps shape the future of East Elmhurst, Corona, and all of Queens. As District Leader, I look forward to working with everyone to address the challenges we face and pursue opportunities that improve the quality of life of our neighborhoods. Thank you again for your support. God bless you all.\u201d<\/p>\n

BLAKEMAN ON NYC PRIMARY RESULTS:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Hochul-Mamdani lunatic wing of the Democrat Party has made it less affordable and less safe to live in New York. I\u2019m asking common sense Democrats to join our cause to save New York from the socialist, anti-American Communists and restore normalcy to our state,\u201d Nassau County Executive and candidate for Governor Bruce Blakeman said.<\/p>\n

DINAPOLI RETURNS OVER $32,000 TO SCS:<\/p>\n

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli recently returned over $32,000 in unclaimed funds to Sunnyside Community Services, a settlement house that provides essential resources for youth, adults, and seniors in Queens. Executive Director Judy Zangwill expressed her excitement over the unexpected financial boost, noting that the funds will be used to fill critical gaps in their community programs.<\/p>\n

WON HOLDS ONELIC OVERSIGHT MEETING: <\/p>\n

Council Member Julie Won: \u201cOn June 17, over 100 neighbors, community leaders, and city agency representatives packed CUNY Law School for the first public meeting of the OneLIC Oversight Task Force, the body charged with holding the City accountable to every commitment made when the One LIC Neighborhood Plan passed in November 2025. It was a willful showing that this community is ready to show up for big changes in their community. From affordable housing at Queensbridge to new schools, waterfront open space, and street safety improvements, there are dozens of commitments on the clock. The Task Force, convened by the Pratt Center for Community Development, will meet regularly, track progress, and report back publicly so nothing slips through the cracks. Because of the sustained engagement that helped pass One LIC, the School Construction Authority is now developing three new schools for our neighborhood, direct proof that organized, persistent community voices move the City to act. None of this happens by accident. It happens because people like you show up to hearings, to planning sessions, to follow-through meetings months after the headlines fade.\u201d<\/p>\n

WONG DEMANDS CRACKDOWN ON RECKLESS E-BIKES: <\/p>\n

Council Member Phil Wong is demanding immediate action from both the NYPD and the New York City Parks Department after a 5-year-old girl was struck by a reckless e-bike rider Thursday evening on the track at Juniper Valley Park.<\/p>\n

Wong was touring Juniper Valley Park Thursday evening with NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura and representatives from the Parks Department when they observed dozens of e-bikes and other motorized vehicles being operated recklessly throughout the park and around the track. Approximately one hour before the collision, Wong\u2019s Chief of Staff contacted the 104th Precinct desk to report the dangerous activity and request police enforcement. According to the desk officer, a patrol car would be dispatched to the park. No NYPD officers ever responded. The only enforcement personnel to arrive were Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP) officers.<\/p>\n

Shortly after Wong, Commissioner Shimamura, and Parks officials moved to another section of the park, they were informed that a 5-year-old girl had been struck by one of the reckless e-bike riders on the track. Following the incident, Wong\u2019s office contacted the 104th Precinct a second time and was told that only two patrol cars were assigned to cover the entire precinct that evening. Wong said that explanation highlights the severe staffing shortage facing the NYPD and the urgent need to restore police staffing levels.<\/p>\n

The incident comes just months after another individual was seriously injured by a reckless e-bike rider at the same location. Wong said the problem extends far beyond Juniper Valley Park. \u201cMy office has received complaint after complaint about reckless e-bikes, bikes and other motorized vehicles terrorizing our parks,\u201d said Wong. \u201cThis isn\u2019t just happening at Juniper Valley Park. Residents are reporting the same dangerous conditions at Mafera Park, Elmhurst Park, Evergreen Park, and other parks throughout the district. Families shouldn\u2019t have to dodge speeding e-bikes and other motorized vehicles while taking their children to the playground.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wong sharply criticized both the lack of enforcement and the City\u2019s failure to adequately staff the precinct. \u201cWe called the 104th Precinct nearly an hour before this little girl was struck and reported exactly what was happening,\u201d added Wong. \u201cWe were told a patrol car was on the way. It never came. After a 5-year-old was hit, we called back and were told there were only two patrol cars covering the entire precinct that night. That should outrage every resident of this community. This is a complete failure by both the 104th Precinct and the Parks Department. The Parks Department knows this is happening every day in our parks, yet the problem continues. The NYPD doesn\u2019t have the staffing to respond even when they\u2019re warned before someone gets hurt. A man was seriously injured in March. Now a 5-year-old girl has been hit. How many more victims do we need before this city decides enough is enough? Arrest these reckless riders. Confiscate their illegal vehicles and crush them. Our parks belong to families, children, seniors, and taxpayers: not people turning them into racetracks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wong is calling on the NYPD and the Parks Department to immediately launch a coordinated enforcement initiative in parks throughout the district, including Juniper Valley Park, Mafera Park, Elmhurst Park, Evergreen Park, and other locations where residents have repeatedly reported reckless riding and dangerous quality-of-life conditions. \u201cOur parks should be places where parents can let their children play without fear,\u201d concluded Wong. \u201cRight now, that basic expectation is being ignored. That has to change.\u201d<\/p>\n

ADDABBO: NO SCHOOL CLASSES ON ELECTION DAYS:<\/p>\n

The day after Primary Tuesday, Senator Joseph Addabbo announced a proposed amendment to Senate Bill S9552; active legislation focused on school session days, local elections, and polling places. If enacted, the amended measure would add Primary Day to the official list of school non-session days, with provisions aimed at safeguarding students while ensuring robust participation in local democracy. The bill already covers Election Day.<\/p>\n

\u201cProtecting our students is my top priority,\u201d Addabbo said. \u201cBy adding Primary Day to the list of official school non-session days and clarifying staff attendance and polling-place considerations, we can safeguard classrooms, reduce last-minute schedule changes, and support our community\u2019s right to vote. This is about blending strong public safety with a commitment to civic participation.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Senator noted that during his visits to polling places located in schools, the general public had access to the entire school, while children were in their classrooms. The goal is to mix strong public safety with strong civic involvement. According to Addabbo, adding Primary Day to the list of non-session days at public schools to Senate Bill S9552 will help minimize potential impacts to student safety and regular activity. Children would benefit from organized, stable school calendars that address conflicts of interest which may arise in relation to local elections and provide students with a predictable school day.<\/p>\n

Addabbo emphasizes that, in service of student safety and stable learning environments, it is essential to align school calendars with local civic processes. The proposed amendment seeks to minimize school-day disruptions caused by election-related activity, while preserving the integrity of the democratic process and ensuring appropriate resources and space for polling operations.<\/p>\n

\u201cI intend on making this bill one of my legislative priorities during the state\u2019s next legislative session,\u201d Addabbo concluded.<\/p>\n

WONG FILES FOIL AFTER MONTHS OF MTA INACTION: <\/p>\n

Council Member Phil Wong (D-Queens) has filed a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request seeking internal Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) records after months of complaints from residents and commuters across Queens who continue to face overcrowded buses, long waits, and inadequate express bus service while the MTA offers little more than promises that it is \u201cmonitoring\u201d the situation.<\/p>\n

In February, Wong joined Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr., Assembly Members Andrew Hevesi and Jenifer Rajkumar in calling on the MTA to address overcrowding on the QM25, QM34, and surrounding express bus routes serving Central Queens. The coalition urged the agency to review ridership data, restore previously eliminated trips, evaluate service gaps, and consider adding additional peak-hour service to meet demand. Riders had reported standing for lengthy commutes into Manhattan, overcrowded buses, and extended waits between trips.<\/p>\n

In a March response, New York City Transit informed the elected officials that it was monitoring ridership and service levels and would continue evaluating conditions on the affected routes. Nearly four months later, residents and commuters throughout Central Queens report that little, if anything, has changed.<\/p>\n

\u201cCentral Queens residents are tired of being treated like an ATM,\u201d said Wong. \u201cThey\u2019re having rezonings shoved down their throats. They\u2019re being told to accept projects like the IBX whether they want them or not. Their water bills keep going up while state and city leaders divert those funds instead of investing in the infrastructure needed to prevent flooding in our communities. At the same time, commuters are paying a premium fare for express bus service that continues to leave riders standing, waiting, and squeezed onto overcrowded buses. In February, we brought these concerns directly to the MTA. In March, they told us they were monitoring the situation. It\u2019s now almost July and residents are still reporting the same problems. If the MTA has spent months monitoring these routes, the public deserves to see the data and understand why nothing has changed. That\u2019s why I filed a FOIL request, because the MTA has no answers.\u201d<\/p>\n

The FOIL request seeks passenger load data, ridership statistics, capacity utilization figures, overcrowding reports, pass-up data, reliability metrics, service planning documents, and internal communications related to the QM25, QM34, and other express bus routes serving Maspeth, Middle Village, Glendale, Ridgewood, Rego Park, Elmhurst, and surrounding communities. The request also seeks records showing what criteria the MTA uses when determining whether additional express bus service is warranted.<\/p>\n

Wong said he will continue pressing the MTA for answers and advocating for expanded express bus service throughout Central Queens.<\/p>\n

ADDABBO CELEBRATES CROSSING GUARDS:<\/p>\n

Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. hosted a festive breakfast to commemorate the dedicated crossing guards from the 102nd, 104th, 106th, and 112th Precincts. The event took place at Villa Russo in South Richmond Hill on June 25, 2026, with about 100 crossing guards and a few police officers from the participating precincts.<\/p>\n

The participants were crossing guards of all ages, backgrounds, and service years. As the longest serving in attendance, Rosaid Eslava had 33 years with the 112th Precinct and had worked her entire career stationed at the same Forest Hills post. Mayra Vega will be retiring after 26 years of service at the 102nd Precinct and stationed in Richmond Hill. Senator Addabbo presented a certificate of recognition to each crossing guard.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur crossing guards are those quiet guardians who protect our children day after day,\u201d Addabbo said. \u201cToday, we observe their devoted service and strengthen this promise: we will grow a community in which both safety and compassion coexist. Their courage and empathy encourage us to build a safer, more caring neighborhood.\u201d<\/p>\n

MAMDANI UNVEILS NEW TOOLS TO BUILD MORE HOUSING: <\/p>\n

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) Chair Lisa Kersavage announced a new suite of tools to help New Yorkers create more housing in historic districts. The new resources will make it easier for homeowners to build Ancillary Dwelling Units (ADUs) and for landmark property owners to use Landmark Transferable Development Rights (TDRs), helping neighborhoods add housing while preserving the character and integrity of New York City\u2019s 157 historic districts and extensions and tens of thousands of landmarked properties.<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s launch includes a searchable map showing where homeowners can create ADUs in historic districts, a new ADU fact sheet, and a dedicated LPC team to help property owners navigate the approval process. The City is also releasing a fact sheet and detailed guidance on landmark transferable development rights, making it easier for landmarked properties to generate revenue for maintenance and preservation while enabling new housing nearby.<\/p>\n

\u201cNew York needs more homes, and every neighborhood has a role to play in building them. Preserving our history and building are future are not competing goals. These new tools will help homeowners create more space for their families, help landmarked buildings stay financially stable and help our city add the housing we need \u2013 all while protecting the neighborhoods we love,\u201d said Mayor Mamdani. \u201cThat\u2019s what Block by Block is all about.\u201d<\/p>\n

These new tools are part of Block by Block, the Mamdani administration\u2019s comprehensive housing plan to build and preserve affordable housing across New York City. The plan ensures that every neighborhood contributes to meeting the city\u2019s housing needs and includes historic investments in affordable housing, tenant protections, code enforcement and public housing.<\/p>\n

Both the ADU and TDR resources will help New Yorkers to take advantage of the pro-housing zoning changes adopted through City of Yes for Housing Opportunity in 2024. Those changes legalized ADUs across much of the city, while establishing specific requirements for certain ADUs in historic districts. LPC\u2019s new interactive map and guidance will help homeowners navigate those requirements and the approval process. The Departments of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and Buildings (DOB) recently launched the ADU for You program to make it easier for homeowners to create ADUs.<\/p>\n

The City also expanded and simplified the Landmark TDR process, making it easier to add housing near landmarks while generating revenue to support the upkeep of historic properties. LPC\u2019s new fact sheet and application guidance will help property owners navigate that new process.<\/p>\n

SCHUMER STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT RULING: <\/p>\n

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) released the following statement after the Supreme Court\u2019s decision allowing the Trump administration to revoke Temporary Protected Status for Haitian and Syrian nationals: \u201cIn a cruel and inhumane decision, the Supreme Court just turned its back on more than 300,000 Haitians and thousands of Syrians who have worked and raised families here because they faced violence and instability back home. TPS exists for exactly this reason: to protect people when returning home is unsafe. Haiti and Syria remain unsafe today. Instead of showing basic humanity, Donald Trump and this Court have chosen fear, chaos, and cruelty. I have introduced legislation to extend TPS for Haitians, and will keep fighting to protect Haitian and Syrian families from being forced back into danger. America should not turn its back on people who came here seeking safety.\u201d<\/p>\n

GILLIBRAND PUSHES TO CAP MEDICARE COSTS: <\/p>\n

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, along with 14 of her Senate colleagues, introduced the Medicare Cost Cap Act to create a $5,000 cap on out-of-pocket costs for Traditional Medicare (Parts A and B) beneficiaries.<\/p>\n

Currently, Traditional Medicare does not have a limit on out-of-pocket costs, meaning beneficiaries are confronted with unlimited, catastrophic health care costs if they face serious illness or hospitalization. Medicare Advantage (MA), employer-sponsored insurance, and insurance bought on the marketplace all have annual caps on out-of-pocket spending. An out-of-pocket cap would level the playing field between Traditional Medicare and MA and guarantee that all people with Medicare are protected, no matter what coverage option they choose.<\/p>\n

The legislation also enhances programs that protect low-income Medicare beneficiaries, shielding seniors and people with disabilities who already rely almost exclusively on their Social Security benefits from rising premiums and out-of-pocket costs.<\/p>\n

In 2028, 3.2 million Medicare beneficiaries are projected to directly benefit from an out-of-pocket cost cap. Over the next ten years, over 52% of beneficiaries are expected to exceed the proposed $5,000 cap at least once. On average, this plan would save enrollees $1,024 per year.<\/p>\n

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*** CRIME BLOTTER ***<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

RINALDI CHARGED WITH FORGERY:<\/p>\n

Defendant Jonathan Rinaldi Allegedly Used AI Technology to Falsely Depict Support from Public Figures and Organizations During District 29 Council Race; Fabricated Articles Against Opponent<\/p>\n

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Jonathan Rinaldi has been charged with forgery and criminal possession of a forged instrument for allegedly creating and distributing false political endorsements and fake news articles using artificial intelligence during his 2025 campaign for City Council in District 29. As alleged, the forged graphics included a legitimate endorsement sheet that the defendant modified to falsely depict support for his own campaign. The affected victims include elected officials, non-profit organizations, public institutions and news outlets.<\/p>\n

District Attorney Katz said: \u201cEnough is enough. In today\u2019s world it is important to hold people accountable for materially misrepresenting facts. As alleged, the defendant used AI to replace factual political support and launched fabricated attacks against his opponent as fact in a deliberate effort to mislead voters ahead of a City Council election. Protecting the integrity of elections is one of the most important responsibilities of my office. Anyone who uses emerging technology to commit fraud against the voters of this borough will be held to account. I thank members of my Crime Strategies and Intelligence and Public Corruption Bureaus for their painstaking work on this case.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rinaldi, 47, of Forest Hills, was arraigned today on a criminal complaint charging him with three counts of forgery in the third degree and 15 counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the third degree. Queens Criminal Court Judge Indira Khan ordered the defendant to return to court on August 19. If convicted of the top count, Rinaldi faces a potential maximum sentence of two years in prison.<\/p>\n

District Attorney Katz said that, according to the charges and investigation, in January 2025, Rinaldi became a candidate for New York City Council in District 29 in Queens.<\/p>\n

Court-authorized subpoena records and search warrants revealed that, between January 17 and November 4, 2025, Rinaldi routinely and deliberately created and posted AI-generated images on his official social media accounts, primarily Facebook and Instagram, that falsely depicted endorsements from individuals and organizations that had not backed his candidacy and in fact, backed the opposition. The defendant also allegedly used specific AI prompts to manufacture fraudulent news articles, using the logo and branding of legitimate news organizations, and posted AI-generated videos depicting support from local public institutions that are not able to participate in politics.<\/p>\n

In one instance, on October 20, 2025, Rinaldi posted an altered endorsement sheet using the Queens Jewish Alliance (QJA) logo and branding that misrepresented the organization\u2019s endorsement in the race. While the authentic endorsement sheet from the organization listed the incumbent city council member, Rinaldi\u2019s fraudulently altered version replaced that endorsement with \u201cCity Council (R) Jonathan Rinaldi.\u201d<\/p>\n

In a recorded call that occurred several days after the image was posted, the head of QJA spoke with Rinaldi to inquire about the altered post. The defendant allegedly stated, in sum and substance, \u201cWhen you are trying to fight against the establishment, I have to use every available tool that\u2019s at my disposal because I already know that \u2026 you\u2019re never going to give me your endorsement.\u201d QJA asked Rinaldi to take down the fraudulent post. Rinaldi responded by stating, in sum and substance, \u201cIt\u2019s politics\u2026 I\u2019m just using asymmetrical warfare. I cannot use the same tactics, the same so-called quote unquote, um, uh, uh methods that the establishment uses.\u201d<\/p>\n

The manipulated QJA endorsement was taken down but then subsequently re-posted to the defendant\u2019s Facebook and Instagram accounts on October 29, 2025.<\/p>\n

Prior to the QJA incident, on October 4, 2025, Rinaldi allegedly published a Facebook post with a fictitious New York Post news article. The article depicted a photograph of the defendant shaking hands with former New York City Council Member Robert Holden under the title, \u201cCouncil Bob Holden Crosses the Aisle to Endorse Rinaldi for City Council District 29.\u201d The fake article with the NY Post heading claimed that Rinaldi and Holden were \u201claunching a bipartisan push\u201d for the benefit of the community. The article was purportedly authored by \u201cDaniel Kurzyna,\u201d the former council member\u2019s then chief-of-staff.<\/p>\n

Records show that approximately two hours before the post was published, the defendant entered the following search term into his own Google\u2019s search engine: \u201cbob holden endorses.\u201d He then allegedly prompted an AI platform to: \u201cTake the first image and face swap the man in the left on the second image\u201d with a photo of his own face and then to \u201cface swap the man on the left just change the face the head is ok they are both bald just change the face.\u201d The generated image fictitiously depicted the defendant shaking hands with the former council member, which Rinaldi placed onto the fraudulent New York Post article.<\/p>\n

Rinaldi is also accused of posting fraudulent, AI-generated endorsements from the 112th Police Precinct, P.S. 101 elementary school, and the Asian Wave Alliance, a nonpartisan political club for Asian American New Yorkers. The endorsements from the precinct and the school, public institutions that do not allow political endorsements, were AI-generated videos that depicted what appeared to be police officers and children making statements in support of Rinaldi\u2019s candidacy. None of the officers or children depicted worked at the precinct or attended P.S. 101.<\/p>\n

As alleged, the defendant also manufactured news articles with the newspaper\u2019s heading targeting his opponent, the incumbent city council member.<\/p>\n

On October 6, 2025, Rinaldi searched Google for information on the council member and the police or NYPD. He recovered a photo from the council member\u2019s official Instagram account depicting a legitimate meeting with NYC Sanitation enforcement officers. Rinaldi prompted Google Gemini to place that image onto a fictitious Amsterdam News article. He provided additional prompts to the AI program to: \u201cChange the headline to Mamdani support [incumbent council member] questioned by police\u201d and then instructed the AI tool to change the headline because \u201cyou added words and spelled it wrong.\u201d The fake article generated by his prompts, titled \u201cMamdani supporter Councilwoman \u2026 questioned by police for hacking,\u201d was posted to Rinaldi\u2019s Instagram account approximately one hour later.<\/p>\n

Rinaldi is additionally accused of generating and posting fake articles to deceive voters into believing that his opponent had dropped out of the election again with the newspaper\u2019s heading.<\/p>\n

On October 24, 2025, Rinaldi published a fictitious video to his Facebook account that was generated with Sora, an OpenAI application, with the caption, \u201c!!!!Breaking news!!!! Lynn Schulman drops out of race for city council !!!\u201d The video depicted a purported studio news anchor announcing his opponent\u2019s withdrawal from the City Council race. The fictitious news anchor states, \u201cWe have breaking news tonight. Moments ago, Schulman announced she is ending her campaign. In a short statement, she said the pressure from the community became impossible to ignore and the race should move forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rinaldi posted several similar fake articles on the same topic: one article was generated using CNN branding; another used the Daily News branding; and two additional videos were manufactured to mimic fictious broadcast segments.<\/p>\n

Rinaldi was arrested on June 24 by members of the Queens District Attorney\u2019s Detective Bureau.<\/p>\n

TEN DEFENDANTS INDICTED FOR LARGE SCALE DRUG TRAFFICKING OPERATION: <\/p>\n

10 Kilos of Cocaine Seized; One Defendant Charged as Major Trafficker<\/p>\n

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that 10 individuals have been indicted following a long-term investigation into a drug trafficking operation based in Jamaica that reached into Nassau County. The defendants allegedly sold cocaine, heroin and fentanyl at a Jamaica social club and other locations. The investigation, called \u201cOperation Bell Tower,\u201d included a series of undercover drug buys. The investigation resulted in the seizure of 10 kilos of cocaine with a street value of more than $250,000.<\/p>\n

District Attorney Katz said: \u201cWe are committed to ending the scourge of overdoses by targeting those who sell deadly drugs on our streets. As alleged, these defendants trafficked in cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and other drugs. One defendant was charged with operating as a major trafficker and faces up to life in prison, if convicted. I thank members of my Strategic Investigations Bureau and the NYPD for their work on this case. I also extend my gratitude to the undercover officers who risked their safety to gather critical evidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

The defendants were variously charged in a 69-count indictment with conspiracy, criminal sale of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a controlled substance and other crimes. Defendant Jean-Pierre Martell, 44, of Woodbridge, Virginia, was arraigned yesterday before Queens Supreme Court Justice Gary Miret. Three defendants were arraigned June 15 and five were arraigned June 17 before Justice Miret. One defendant will be arraigned at a later date.<\/p>\n

District Attorney Katz said that, according to charges and investigation, the District Attorney\u2019s Office and the NYPD\u2019s Narcotics Borough Queens South began an investigation in November 2022 into drug trafficking based in Jamaica. The alleged traffickers operated from several locations, including the Spizot, an unlicensed social club at 105-13 177th Street. The defendants allegedly sold cocaine, heroin, heroin that was sometimes mixed with fentanyl or other substances, and the generic version of Xanax.<\/p>\n

The organization had multiple layers with defendant Rudolph Tindal allegedly storing the drugs in his Jamaica home and defendant Emmanuel Pope allegedly working as a street level dealer. Defendant Fred Fulton was a supplier who allegedly obtained cocaine from defendant Castell Brown of Roosevelt in Nassau County. Defendant Kevin Gaines allegedly supplied defendant William Bell with heroin and arranged cocaine sales.<\/p>\n

Defendant Leo Smith allegedly sold large quantities of heroin and cocaine to an undercover officer, starting with 20 glassine envelopes purported to contain heroin for $120 and then increasing to 150 grams of heroin for $6,750. Laboratory tests showed that the heroin was mixed with fentanyl and other substances.<\/p>\n

Undercover officers made multiple buys of drugs from January 2025 through April.<\/p>\n

Court authorized search warrants executed at the defendants\u2019 homes resulted in the seizure of: 10 kilos of cocaine and a loaded 9 mm Ruger pistol as well as more than $15,000 in cash at a house in Roosevelt; Over 500 grams of fentanyl in a Queens home; Drug paraphernalia including a press, scales and empty plastic bags.<\/p>\n

DRIVER INVOLVED IN DEATH OF DET DILLER PLEADS GUILTY:<\/p>\n

Defendant to be Sentenced to Five Years in Prison<\/p>\n

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Lindy Jones pleaded guilty today to the top count of the indictment against him, a weapon-possession charge, for a loaded 9 mm firearm that was found in the glove box of his car as the result of a search warrant. Jones was behind the wheel of the car when his passenger, Guy Rivera, shot and killed NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller in March 2024.<\/p>\n

District Attorney Katz said: \u201cLindy Jones drove around the streets of Queens with a loaded, defaced firearm that threatened the lives of everyone he encountered. We have seen firsthand the devastation illegal guns cause as we continue to mourn the killing of Detective Jonathan Diller at the hands of Jones\u2019 codefendant. That is why my office will continue to methodically rid our streets of lethal weapons and prosecute those who choose to possess them. I thank my Homicide Bureau for securing a guilty plea from this defendant \u2013 sparing the family the trauma of reliving the details of that terrible day \u2013 and ensuring that he is sentenced to prison for his actions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jones, 43, of Edgemere, pleaded guilty today to criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree before Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Yavinsky. Justice Yavinsky indicated that he will sentence Jones on July 14 to five years in prison to be followed by five years post-release supervision.<\/p>\n

Jones\u2019 codefendant, Guy Rivera, 36, was convicted of aggravated manslaughter in the first degree, attempted murder in the first degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree in connection with the killing of Detective Diller and the attempted killing of Sergeant Sasha Rosen and was sentenced to 115 years to life in prison in April. Detective Diller was an officer at the time of his murder and was posthumously promoted to the rank of detective.<\/p>\n

District Attorney Katz said that, according to the charges and investigation, on March 25, 2024, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Jones was walking alongside Rivera when a police sergeant noticed a gun-shaped bulge in the front pocket of Rivera\u2019s sweatshirt. Jones entered the driver\u2019s seat of a 2016 Kia Soul parked in front of 19-19 Mott Avenue in Far Rockaway and Rivera got into the passenger seat. Detective Diller and the other members of his team approached the vehicle. Diller issued numerous commands to Rivera to roll down his window and step out of the vehicle, which Rivera ignored. Defendant Jones also refused an order to unlock the vehicle and another officer reached into the car through an open window and unlocked the doors from the driver\u2019s side control panel. Detective Diller then opened the passenger side door and instructed Rivera to exit the vehicle. Instead of stepping out from the vehicle, Rivera reached into his pocket with his right hand, ignored repeated commands to stop, drew a .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol and fired at Detective Diller, killing him.<\/p>\n

After shooting Detective Diller, Rivera pointed his gun directly at Sergeant Rosen\u2019s chest and pulled the trigger, but the gun jammed. Jones and Rivera were apprehended at the scene immediately following the shooting.<\/p>\n

On March 26, 2024, as part of an ongoing investigation, members of the Queens District Attorney\u2019s Office and the 101st Precinct obtained a court-authorized search warrant for the vehicle. The search led to the discovery of a second gun: a loaded 9 mm pistol inside the glove compartment. The firearm was found to be defaced, with the serial number scratched off.<\/p>\n

FOREST HILLS MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ATTEMPTED MURDER:<\/p>\n

Defendant Beat and Kicked Worker Unconscious; Expected to be Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison<\/p>\n

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Osvel Diaz pleaded guilty to attempted murder and other crimes for the beating of a 62-year-old worker at the Sunnyside Mini Market in Woodside in June 2024. The defendant pummeled the victim until he was unconscious and then continued to assault him as he lay on the deli floor.<\/p>\n

District Attorney Katz said: \u201cThis was a senseless and violent assault of a deli worker that nearly left the 62-year-old man dead. Osvel Diaz repeatedly punched and kicked Abdul Alshawish until he left the man with a brain hemorrhage, facial fractures, a broken eye socket and litany of other injuries. Tragically, Alshawish must live with a traumatic brain injury and cognitive impairments for the rest of his life because of this defendant. Our thoughts are with the victim as he continues to recover from his extensive injuries.\u201d<\/p>\n

Diaz, 31, of Forest Hills, pleaded guilty yesterday to attempted murder in the second degree, two counts of assault in the first degree, petit larceny and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree before Queens Supreme Court Justice John Zoll. Justice Zoll indicated that he will sentence the defendant to 19 years in prison on June 29.<\/p>\n

District Attorney Katz said that, according to the charges and investigation on June 17, 2024, at approximately 11:17 p.m., Diaz entered the Sunnyside Mini Mart at 63-20 Broadway. He and deli worker Abdul Alshawish, who was standing in front of the counter, bumped into one another. Seconds later, Diaz began punching Alshawish repeatedly in the head. Diaz threw Alshawish to the ground and continued to punch and kick him repeatedly in the head, face and body. While the worker was still on the floor, Diaz kicked him in the head and knocked Alshawish unconscious. Diaz continued the assault with multiple kicks to Alshawish\u2019s head and face. The victim was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for a brain hemorrhage, facial fractures, a mid-face separation, broken teeth and a fractured eye socket, nose and sinuses. He later underwent multiple surgeries and was diagnosed with a moderate traumatic brain injury and cognitive impairments.<\/p>\n

Diaz was apprehended on June 26, 2024, in Forest Hills.<\/p>\n

\u2014With contributions by Augusta Luger <\/p>\n

This column was originated by John A. Toscano. <\/p>\n

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