{"id":373514,"date":"2026-10-15T02:20:20","date_gmt":"2026-10-15T02:20:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/373514\/"},"modified":"2026-10-15T02:20:20","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T02:20:20","slug":"i-on-politics-queens-gazette-48","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/373514\/","title":{"rendered":"I On Politics – Queens Gazette"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

CB3 MONTHLY MEETING:<\/p>\n

Community Board 3 will hold its Monthly Board Meeting on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 7:00pm at Renaissance Charter School Auditorium, 35-59 81st Street, Jackson Heights. Scheduled to speak is Detective Bayron Gonzalez from the 115th Precinct.<\/p>\n

114 PCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING:<\/p>\n

The monthly meeting of the 114th Precinct Community Council will be at The Marquee Astoria at 25-22 Astoria Blvd, Astoria on Tuesday October 27, 2026 at 7:00 PM.<\/p>\n

AHTBCA MEETING:<\/p>\n

Astoria Homeowners, Tenants & Business Civic Association meeting on Wednesday October 28, at 7:00 pm at Pistilli Grand Manor, 45-02 Ditmars Blvd. for a Queens Borough President\u2019s Office update. Scheduled guest speakers are Lauren Pluguez from the Borough President\u2019s office and Inspector Seth Lynch, NYPD 114th Precinct. Please enter on 45th Street side entrance, right before the parking garage.<\/p>\n

NYBC RECEIVES GRANT FOR MOBILE BLOOD COLLECTION UNIT:<\/p>\n

New York Blood Center (NYBC) has been awarded a $300,000 New York City Capital Grant to support the purchase of a new mobile blood collection unit dedicated to serving communities throughout Queens. The investment comes as blood donations in Queens remain significantly below levels seen a decade ago. In 2025, blood donations across the borough were down more than 26% compared to 2015, representing nearly 9,000 fewer donations than a decade ago.<\/p>\n

The new mobile unit will expand NYBC\u2019s ability to bring blood drives directly to Queens neighborhoods, making it easier for residents to donate at local schools, workplaces, houses of worship, and community organizations. The added capacity will also help NYBC reach new donors and engage younger generations across the borough. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. was a key advocate for NYBC in securing the capital funding for the new unit.<\/p>\n

The investment builds on NYBC\u2019s growing presence in Queens. In December 2025, NYBC opened its Queens Donor Center in Forest Hills, where more than 2,600 people have donated, including more than 500 first-time donors. The mobile unit will build on that momentum by extending donation opportunities to communities beyond NYBC\u2019s fixed donor center.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery day, patients across New York City depend on blood donors, and one of the most important things we can do is make donating as convenient and accessible as possible,\u201d said Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President of Operations at New York Blood Center. \u201cWe are grateful to the City of New York and especially Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. for his advocacy and support in helping make this investment possible. This new mobile unit will allow us to bring more donation opportunities directly into Queens neighborhoods and connect with donors where they live, work, and gather.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor years, I have been proud to partner with New York Blood Center in hosting donation drives at Queens Borough Hall and spreading the word about the lifesaving importance of giving blood,\u201d said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. \u201cWith this funding, we are not only investing in NYBC\u2019s ability to expand its reach and collect vital donations, but also in the overall health and wellness of all 2.4 million people who call Queens home. I look forward to growing our partnership with NYBC for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and recent updates to FDA guidance mean more people may now be eligible to donate. To make an appointment or view current eligibility guidelines, call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org.<\/p>\n

GILLIBRAND STATEMENT ON ICE AGENT SHOOTING:<\/p>\n

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) issued the following statement on reports that a man was shot by an ICE agent in New York City this afternoon: \u201cMy thoughts are with the Marble Hill community as we await more information about the shooting involving ICE agents this afternoon. It is critical that all the facts are brought to light, and I expect a thorough and transparent review of exactly what transpired.\u201d<\/p>\n

STATEMENT FROM WONG AND WON ON BORDEN AVE RESIDENCE:<\/p>\n

Council Members Phil Wong and Julie Won issued the following joint statement: \u201cWe will not attend today\u2019s scheduled tour of the Borden Avenue Veterans Residence. This facility continues to be in deplorable condition despite advocacy from our offices and our predecessors for the last decade. The veterans who live there deserve far better than a staged presentation. Since Friday, the Institute for Community Living has cleaned and prepared the facility for today\u2019s visit. On Monday, ahead of DSS Commissioner Erin Dalton\u2019s visit, the provider directed residents to help clean, while also setting out food for the Commissioner, prompting one veteran to tell us: \u2018We don\u2019t even get that.\u2019 Oversight doesn\u2019t look like this. It is unacceptable that the Institute for Community Living continues to conceal the conditions veterans endure every day instead of fixing these issues. The City Charter charges Council Members with overseeing and investigating City agencies and City-funded operations. That authority requires no permission from, nor advance notice to, the Mayor\u2019s Office. We will not take part in a tour designed to hide serious failures. We will continue to expose the conditions at Borden Avenue and demand the treatment, dignity, and services our homeless veterans deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n

ADDABBO HOSTS FREE MOBILE MAMMOGRAMS FOR CONSTITUENTS: <\/p>\n

State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., is bringing a free mammogram screening service to his constituents.<\/p>\n

On Sunday, October 18, 2026, the American-Italian Cancer Foundation will have their Mammogram Bus located outside of Senator Addabbo\u2019s Middle Village District Office located at 66-85 73rd Place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to provide free mammogram screenings to women who register for the event through Addabbo\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

\u201cRegular screenings are crucial for catching cancer early\u2014especially breast cancer\u2014because earlier detection can be lifesaving,\u201d Addabbo said. \u201cI\u2019m honored to sponsor this event as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and to support it throughout the year. I also thank the American-Italian Cancer Foundation for bringing this important, no-cost service to my district.\u201d<\/p>\n

In order to be eligible for the clinical breast exam, individuals must be: Women ages 40 \u2013 75,\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 currently living in New York City; and had not had a mammogram in the last 12 months. Uninsured patients are welcome, there are no co-payments, and all deductibles are waived for this service. Bring a photo ID and insurance card (if insured). Although registration is preferred, walk-ins will be accommodated on a limited basis.<\/p>\n

To ensure that you are able to get a free mammogram screening, call the American-Italian Cancer Foundation at 1-877-628-9090 to make an appointment.<\/p>\n

BRAUNSTEIN\u2019S HALLOWEEN CONTEST:<\/p>\n

Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein is sponsoring a Halloween Essay & Drawing Contest. Students in grades 2 through 5 who live or go to school within Assembly District 26 are welcome to participate. The essay or drawing should have a Halloween theme. For example, you may submit an essay about your favorite trick or treat experience, or a drawing related to Halloween. If you are interested in participating, please print your full name, grade, and school information legibly on your entry. Essays and drawings can be submitted to Assemblyman Braunstein\u2019s office by mail, email or drop-off. Entries may be of any size or format. Mail to 213-33 39th Avenue, Suite 238, Bayside, NY 11361. Email: braunsteine@nyassembly.gov<\/p>\n

District-wide prizes will be awarded to one student in each grade. New York State Assembly Certificates of Merit will be awarded to all students who participate. The contest deadline is Monday, November 2, 2026.<\/p>\n

ADDABBO ATTENTIVE TO CONSTITUENT CONCERNS: <\/p>\n

In a continuing effort to meet one-on-one with constituents and hear their concerns, Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. held mobile office hours at the Middle Village branch of the Queens Public Library during the evening on Thursday, October 1, 2026, and Java with Joe hours at Sweet Lil Sweets in Ozone Park on Saturday morning on October 3, 2026.<\/p>\n

The purpose of these gatherings is to ensure that community members have accessibility to their elected official especially for those who cannot visit Addabbo\u2019s District Offices during regular business hours.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost of my constituents work and they don\u2019t have time to visit me on a weekday, but that doesn\u2019t mean they shouldn\u2019t be heard, Addabbo said. \u201cI value each interaction with every constituent and the important information they provide about what is happening in our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n

BLAKEMAN ON ROOSEVELT AVE:<\/p>\n

Nassau County Executive and gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman joined the Restore Roosevelt Avenue Community Group on October 7 to sound the alarm on a public safety crisis plaguing Queens. Once-thriving commercial corridors along Roosevelt Avenue and near residential homes have become ground zero for open-air drug markets, brazen shoplifting, and unchecked prostitution operating openly in broad daylight. Blakeman discussed his comprehensive law-and-order platform, the devastating impact of soft-on-crime policies on local merchants, and his blueprint for restoring public safety across New York.<\/p>\n

MEEKS MARKS THE 3RD ANNY OF THE OCT 7 TERRORIST ATTACKS IN ISRAEL:<\/p>\n

Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement marking the third anniversary of the October 7th terrorist attack in Israel carried out by Hamas. \u201cThree years ago today, Hamas terrorists committed an atrocity that forever scarred Israel and the Jewish people. We honor the hostages and their families, those murdered, including the Americans among them, and stand with those whose lives were forever changed. We also recognize the enduring anguish of Jewish communities in the United States and around the world. For those who lived through October 7 or lost loved ones, its trauma is not confined to an anniversary\u2014it is lived every day. There can be no justification for October 7. I remain steadfast in my commitment to Israel\u2019s security and its right to protect its people from terrorism.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe also recognize the immense suffering, loss, and displacement Palestinian civilians have endured since October 7. Their lives and dignity matter. Acknowledging their suffering does not diminish the unique horror of October 7 or Hamas\u2019 responsibility for its crimes. Our humanity requires us to mourn innocent lives and work to protect them.<\/p>\n

\u201cHonoring the victims requires more than remembrance. It requires sustained work to prevent such atrocities from happening again, to confront terrorism, protect civilians, and pursue diplomacy that enables Israelis to live in security and Palestinians to live in freedom and dignity. Neither peoples\u2019 children should be condemned to inherit endless war. May the memory of those murdered on October 7 be a blessing. May their families find comfort, and may their memory strengthen our resolve to prevent further suffering and pursue peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

RAJKUMAR ON ANNY OF OCTOBER 7:<\/p>\n

Statement from Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar on the Third Anniversary of October 7th: \u201cThree years ago today, Hamas carried out the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Nearly 1,200 people were murdered, 48 of them Americans, and more than 250 were taken hostage. Today we remember every life taken, give thanks for every hostage who made it home, and mourn those who never did. To every family who lost someone on October 7th, we grieve with you. Survivors, hostage families, and so many New Yorkers have carried anxiety, trauma, and loss for three years. To those who have turned unimaginable pain into advocacy and service: your strength is extraordinary. You have shown all of us what it means to keep going, and to keep fighting for a better world.<\/p>\n

Here at home, Jewish New Yorkers make up about 10 percent of our city, yet they have been the targets of more than half of all hate crimes this year. No New Yorker should have to think twice before wearing a kippah or walking to synagogue. In New York, we protect each other. New York cannot negotiate peace in the Middle East, but we can show what it looks like. Our city is home to Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Hindu, and countless other faith communities, and every day it proves that people of different beliefs can live side by side as neighbors, with love and mutual respect. A lasting peace will take serious leadership and patient diplomacy: real security for Israelis, real hope and rebuilding for Palestinians in Gaza, and a future both peoples can share. New York has always shown the world what is possible. Let us do it again.<\/p>\n

ROMERO TESTIFIES AT AI HEARING:<\/p>\n

Brian Romero, Democratic nominee for State Assembly District 34, testified before the New York City Council at its Committee of the Whole hearing examining the risks posed by artificial intelligence. Romero, the former Chief of Staff to State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, Chair of the Senate Internet and Technology Committee said he had a \u201cfront-row seat as New York tried to keep regulation moving alongside a technology evolving at extraordinary speed.\u201d<\/p>\n

As governments around the world grapple with how to regulate increasingly powerful AI systems, Romero argued that cities and states cannot wait for a comprehensive federal response. He is preparing to introduce legislation in Albany next year restricting the use of superintelligent AI capabilties in New York, mirroring a federal proposal introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar.<\/p>\n

In his testimony, Romero called for stronger enforcement mechanisms around AI systems used by City contractors. He said Int. 2601 should include meaningful financial penalties and mechanisms to terminate contracts with vendors that repeatedly fail compliance audits or deploy harmful or discriminatory AI systems. \u201cWithout real consequences, oversight is simply just a recommendation,\u201d Romero said.<\/p>\n

MENIN ANNOUNCES $200,000 TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES: <\/p>\n

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin today announced $200,000 in Council discretionary funding to help small businesses across New York City purchase and install panic buttons and other security technology, providing immediate support to business owners in an effort to continue to curb retail theft. The funding will be distributed equally among the five boroughs through the Five Borough Chamber Alliance Initiative. Each chamber will work with small businesses in its borough to provide financial assistance toward security technology designed to protect business owners, employees, and customers.<\/p>\n

\u201cSmall business owners and their employees must feel safe at work,\u201d said Speaker Julie Menin. \u201cThis investment will put resources directly into the hands of New Yorkers, allowing small businesses to install security technology that protects their workers, customers, and livelihoods. Investments like these strengthen public safety and economic vibrancy while ensuring that our small businesses have the resources they need to fully participate in New York\u2019s economy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re deeply grateful for Speaker Menin\u2019s and Attorney General James\u2019 hard work to support the safety and security of our small business community, which is essential to Queens\u2019 long-term growth,\u201d said Tom Grech, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. \u201cWe\u2019re fully prepared to ensure our members receive these funds promptly and equitably, so they can focus on supporting their workers and communities instead of worrying about the financial fallout from a major theft.\u201d<\/p>\n

The initiative comes in advance of the implementation of Local Law 120, which requires the Department of Small Business Services (SBS), or another agency designated by the Mayor, to establish a small retail business security system program. The permanent program will provide financial assistance to eligible small retail businesses to reduce the cost of purchasing and installing security system technology.<\/p>\n

As SBS works to fully develop that program, the Council\u2019s $200,000 investment will serve as an immediate bridge to help businesses strengthen their security.<\/p>\n

Eligible businesses will include ground-floor retail establishments with 50 or fewer employees, prioritizing small businesses located outside of Business Improvement Districts and in low- to moderate-income communities, as well as minority- and women-owned businesses, to ensure security resources reach underserved commercial corridors and businesses with the greatest need.<\/p>\n

The Council will expand the scope of the Five Borough Chamber Alliance Initiative through its October Transparency Resolution to encompass the new funding. Each of the five borough chambers will receive an equal share of the allocation and will be required to report to the Council\u2019s Finance Division on the implementation of the program, including the criteria used to select participating businesses.<\/p>\n

MAMDANI REOPENS QUEENS\u2019 LOST BATTALION HALL FOLLOWING RECONSTRUCTION:<\/p>\n

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura today announced the reopening of Lost Battalion Hall Recreation Center in Rego Park, Queens, following a $25.9 million, top-to-bottom reconstruction that brings this historic neighborhood center into the 21st century.<\/p>\n

The project delivers a more accessible and modern recreation center for Queens families, with a redesigned entrance and lobby, refurbished fitness spaces, updated restrooms, a newly painted basketball court, new equipment and upgraded safety and building systems.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery New Yorker should feel proud of their public spaces. Today, we\u2019re reopening Lost Battalion Hall just in time for the weather to cool down and New Yorkers to head indoors to continue playing their favorite sports all winter long,\u201d said Mayor Mamdani. \u201cWith new equipment, accessibility improvements and safety upgrades, Lost Battalion Hall will be even more welcoming to New Yorkers. Whether you\u2019re here to shoot hoops, work out or hang out, this is your recreation center.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor years, Lost Battalion Hall has been the place where Queens families come to work out, shoot hoops and spend time with their neighbors, and we couldn\u2019t be happier to welcome everyone back,\u201d said Parks Commissioner Shimamura. \u201cThis project improved just about every corner of the building. It\u2019s safer, easier to get around and more comfortable no matter the season. We\u2019re grateful to the Mayor\u2019s Office, the Borough President and the City Council for investing in this center, and to the community for their patience while the work got done.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRego Park children and families have long deserved high-quality recreation space to call their own, especially in a community that glaringly lacks sizeable parks or playgrounds. But we are delivering exactly that this massive refurbishment of Lost Battalion Hall, which has been the anchor of this neighborhood for generations,\u201d said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. \u201cEnsuring our neighbors have safe spaces that support our physical and mental wellness is a top priority of my administration, and the reimagined Lost Battalion Hall is a major component of that mission. I hope all Rego Park families enjoy this space to the fullest, whether you\u2019re coming to hit the court, hit the weights or hang out with friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

HOCHUL ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF SUBWAY FARE GATE PILOT:<\/p>\n

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the results of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority\u2019s (MTA) subway fare gate pilot, which saw fare evasion decline by an average of 35 percent at the 20 stations where new, modern gates have been installed. Following this successful pilot, Governor Hochul also announced the next 20 subway stations that will receive new fare gates across all entrances, marking major progress to strengthen the system against fare evasion, modernize the system, and improve accessibility and customer experience. The MTA qualified three vendors \u2013 Cubic, STraffic, and Conduent \u2013 to submit bids and compete to deliver the next generation of fare array systems at an additional 20 stations across Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. Bids for the first phase of the new fare gate program will be submitted this month, with new gates beginning to be installed by the end of 2026.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe data is clear: these new fare gates have created a better riding experience for customers and made it harder for would-be fare evaders to enter the system without paying,\u201d Governor Hochul said. \u201cNow, we\u2019re ramping up our plan to install these world-class fare gates across the subway system so even more riders can benefit. New York\u2019s transit renaissance is powered by historic investments in aging infrastructure and improvements to safety and reliability, and by replacing turnstiles that date back to the token-era, we can achieve the twin benefits of accessibility upgrades and reduced fare evasion that riders deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n

The stations in Queens where new fare arrays have already been installed include: Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Av EFMR7 and Flushing-Main St 7.<\/p>\n

The next Queens stations slated to receive new fare gates will be: Astoria Blvd NW, Forest Hills-71 Av EFMR, Sutphin Blvd\/Archer Av-JFK Airport EJZ.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

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

\u00a0<\/p>\n

KATZ WARNS ABOUT SCAMMERS POSING AS LAW ENFORCEMENT: <\/p>\n

Imposters Use Aggressive Tactics to Scam Victims Out of Thousands of Dollars; One Suspect Arrested at Fresh Meadows Bank Branch<\/p>\n

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz is warning members of the Chinese community about an ongoing scam in which bad actors impersonate Chinese police officers to extort money. The scammers claim that the victim is being investigated for insurance fraud in China and demand immediate payment to avoid arrest and possible extradition. One person has been arrested in Queens.<\/p>\n

District Attorney Katz said: \u201cThese alleged scammers frighten victims into wiring thousands of dollars from their bank accounts by impersonating law enforcement. They use sophisticated tactics that include calling victims from \u2018spoofed\u2019 official phone numbers and sending fraudulent documents that look authentic. In a recent Queens case, a defendant allegedly bilked $350,000 from a woman by pretending to be a Chinese prosecutor. This scam is increasingly occurring in the United States, and I urge anyone who has been victimized locally to contact their local police precinct or the Queens District Attorney\u2019s Consumer Frauds Hotline at 718-286-6673.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bingming Zhang, 29, of Flushing, was charged in August with criminal possession of stolen property in the second, third and fourth degrees. He was arraigned before Queens Criminal Court Judge Germaine Auguste and was ordered to return to court November 6. He is facing a maximum sentence of five to 15 years in prison if convicted of the charges.<\/p>\n

DA Katz said that, according to the charges and investigation, a female victim received a phone call on July 6, 2026, from an unknown man stating that a United Health Care Global Account was opened in her name and was being used for illegal insurance claims. The caller then said he would transfer her call to a Chinese provincial police department where a man posing as a police officer requested personal information, told her he was investigating her case and would contact her in two days. He allegedly contacted the victim daily via the Zoom and Teams platforms and demanded she not tell anyone or they could be implicated in her crimes.<\/p>\n

On July 10, 2026, she was contacted by a man posing as a Chinese prosecutor who told her he knew that she had $350,000 in her Chase bank account and if she did not wire it to a Flagstar Bank branch in Fresh Meadows, she would be extradited by U.S. investigators to face charges in China. He instructed her to tell the bank staff that the money was being sent to a relative in Hong Kong to buy a house. On July 13, 2026, the victim sent $300,000 to the defendant\u2019s bank account. Approximately a week later she was instructed to send an additional $50,000, which she did.<\/p>\n

On July 26, 2026, the victim attempted to access her Chase account and was told it was frozen for suspected fraud. Flagstar Bank was alerted to the fraud and contacted the defendant, arranging for him to come to the branch at 61-49 188th Street. When he arrived, a bank employee called 911 and officers from the 107th Precinct arrived and arrested the defendant.<\/p>\n

The FBI has issued warnings about similar scams targeting members of the Chinese community in the United States.<\/p>\n

CORONA MAN CHARGED WITH ROBBERY FOR MUGGING 92-YEAR-OLD:<\/p>\n

Defendant Grabbed Nonagenarian from Behind, Snatched His Cellphone; Arrested Days Later with Second Victim\u2019s Phone in Pocket; Faces Up to19 Years in Prison, if Convicted<\/p>\n

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Bobby Gadsen has been indicted for robbery, assault and other crimes for stealing cellphones from two victims in Forest Hills earlier this month, one a 92-year-old man walking with the assistance of a cane. Gadsen was arrested three days later, after a second cellphone snatching that targeted a 51-year-old woman.<\/p>\n

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said: \u201cAs alleged, this defendant picked at risk targets for his robberies. He walked up behind a 92-year-old man who was using a cane and manhandled the senior to steal his phone. Just three days later, he grabbed a phone from a 51-year-old woman on the same street. We are grateful that this defendant was swiftly apprehended by the NYPD.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gadsen, 49, of Corona, was arraigned yesterday on a six-count indictment charging him with robbery in the second degree, assault in the second degree, two counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree and two counts of criminal possession of a stolen property in the fifth degree. Acting Queens Supreme Court Justice Diego Freire ordered the defendant to return to court on November 6. He faces up to 19 years in prison, if convicted.<\/p>\n

District Attorney Katz said that, according to the charges and investigation, on September 3, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Gadsen approached a 92-year-old man from behind on 108th Street in Forest Hills. Gadsen grabbed the waistband of his pants and reached into the victim\u2019s pocket. Gadsen pulled the victim, who was walking with a cane, to the ground and ran off with his cellphone. The victim sustained a laceration to his elbow and substantial pain from the incident.<\/p>\n

Still images generated from video footage of the incident were used to generate a \u201cwanted\u201d flyer of Gadsen.<\/p>\n

Three days later, on September 6, at approximately 3 p.m., Gadsen approached a 51-year-old woman near the intersection of 108th Street and 63rd Avenue. He allegedly took an iPhone from her hand and fled on foot. Police responded to the scene and arrested Gadsen with the woman\u2019s cellphone in his pants pocket.<\/p>\n

AG JAMES ANNOUNCES INDICTMENT OF QUEENS PHARMACY OWNER:<\/p>\n

Miguel Baron Charged for Exploiting New Yorkers with HIV to Fraudulently Bill Medicaid and AIDS Drug Assistance Program for Medications That Were Never Dispensed to Patients; Baron Allegedly Used Stolen Funds to Buy Real Estate, Luxury Cars, and World Cup Tickets <\/p>\n

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the arrest and indictment of a Queens pharmacy owner for allegedly directing a massive fraud scheme that endangered vulnerable New Yorkers with HIV and stole more than $31 million from Medicaid and the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). A years-long investigation by the Office of the Attorney General\u2019s (OAG) Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) found that Miguel Baron, 62, of Yonkers, allegedly used his two pharmacies in Jackson Heights, Guardiola Pharmacy and Baron Specialty Pharmacy, to pay cash kickbacks to New Yorkers on Medicaid in violation of the law. Many of Baron\u2019s customers either filled their prescriptions for HIV medications at his pharmacies in exchange for kickbacks and received black market medications or sold their prescription medication back to the pharmacies for pennies on the dollar. As a result of Baron\u2019s alleged scheme, vulnerable New Yorkers missed out on lifesaving medication and received medications purchased on the black market with no assurances for their safety. Baron was arrested at LaGuardia Airport as he attempted to board a one-way flight to Toronto, Canada and was charged with crimes including Grand Larceny, Health Care Fraud, and Money Laundering.<\/p>\n

In addition to the criminal indictment against Baron and his companies, Attorney General James today filed a civil asset forfeiture action, allowing OAG to seize and place liens on assets and property Baron purchased with the proceeds of his alleged crimes. Baron and his associates allegedly used these funds to purchase luxury properties in Miami, a Mercedes Benz, a Lexus, and tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Miami. The OAG\u2019s civil asset forfeiture action seeks over $95 million in damages.<\/p>\n

\u201cTaking advantage of vulnerable New Yorkers to steal tens of millions of dollars from Medicaid is despicable,\u201d said Attorney General James. \u201cPharmacy owners who exploit patients with medication buyback schemes are putting New Yorkers\u2019 health at serious risk. My office will continue to protect patients, shut down Medicaid fraud schemes, and hold criminals accountable to ensure that our tax dollars are not lining scammers\u2019 pockets.\u201d<\/p>\n

From January 1, 2023 to April 29, 2026, Baron and his co-conspirators allegedly encouraged Medicaid recipients to fill their prescriptions at his pharmacies by paying them cash kickbacks, often between $150 and $250. In some cases, Baron\u2019s pharmacies offered to buy back Medicaid recipients\u2019 medications for a few hundred dollars while the pharmacies received thousands of dollars in reimbursement from Medicaid and ADAP. Baron would then allegedly put those repurchased medications back in the pharmacy inventory and disburse them to other unsuspecting customers, allowing him to bill Medicaid and ADAP multiple times for a single prescription. In other cases, Baron would allegedly disburse medications purchased from unlicensed sources while billing Medicaid and ADAP for legitimate HIV medications. In total, Baron allegedly received more than $31 million in reimbursements for expensive HIV medications by illegally submitting false reimbursement claims to Medicaid and ADAP.<\/p>\n

Baron\u2019s alleged scheme put vulnerable New Yorkers living with HIV at serious risk by pressuring customers to sell their medications back instead of taking them as directed, and distributing medications from unlicensed sources that lacked any assurance that they were properly stored and maintained.<\/p>\n

Baron allegedly sent the money he fraudulently earned from Medicaid and ADAP from his pharmacies\u2019 bank accounts to accounts belonging to shell companies he or his associates controlled in order to disguise the source and ownership of the funds. These shell companies then purchased real estate and funded construction projects with the stolen funds and also converted the money into large sums of cash. Among the real estate purchases were condominiums in the Miami area, including reservations for high-end units in buildings that promised \u201cluxury amenities\u201d and \u201cboundless opulence.\u201d<\/p>\n

Baron and his companies were indicted by a Queens County grand jury on two counts of Grand Larceny in the First Degree, fourteen counts of Health Care Fraud in the First Degree, two counts of Health Care Fraud in the Second Degree, and two counts of unlawfully paying kickbacks to Medicaid beneficiaries in violation of the New York Social Services Law. Baron and his companies were also charged with three counts of Money Laundering in the First Degree and one count of Money Laundering in the Second Degree for allegedly conducting financial transactions designed to conceal the source, ownership and origin of the stolen funds.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday\u2019s indictment sends a clear message to those who seek to exploit the Medicaid program for personal gain: you will be held fully accountable,\u201d said Acting Medicaid Inspector General Frank Walsh. \u201cWe will continue to work closely with Attorney General James and our other partners to root out fraud, waste, and abuse in the Medicaid program.\u201d<\/p>\n

If convicted on the top count, Baron faces a maximum sentence of eight and one-third to 25 years in prison. These charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.<\/p>\n

FIVE DEFENDANTS INDICTED FOR PHONY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT SCHEME:<\/p>\n

Victims Promised Large Profits Through Bogus Investment Strategy of \u201cFixing-&-Flipping\u201d Distressed Residential Properties; Defendants Allegedly Stole Nearly $3 Million from Victims; Face up to 25 Years in Prison, if Convicted<\/p>\n

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced today that five defendants have been indicted for conspiracy, possession of stolen property, identity theft and other crimes for conducting a fraudulent investment scheme that swindled victims out of nearly $3 million. The defendants allegedly lured victims to invest in a firm that purported to buy distressed properties and renovate them for sale. Instead, the money went toward personal expenses including the purchase of luxury goods and to keep up the firm\u2019s appearance of legitimacy.<\/p>\n

District Attorney Katz said: \u201cAs alleged, these defendants promised to make the victims rich through real estate investments. Instead, they convinced the investors to take out loans and credit cards and used that money to line the defendants\u2019 own pockets. Now the victims are saddled with debts they cannot pay, ruined credit scores, lawsuits and bankruptcy. A family in Connecticut is in danger of losing their home to foreclosure because the defendants took out a mortgage on the property without their knowledge. I thank my prosecutors and our partners at the United States Secret Service and the NYPD for working to hold these scammers to account.\u201d<\/p>\n

Matt McCool, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service New York Field Office, said: \u201cThese arrests reflect our commitment to holding accountable those who exploit victims\u2019 trust for personal gain. Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate complex financial fraud schemes and pursue those who use deception to leave victims with devastating financial losses.\u201d<\/p>\n

The defendants were variously charged in a 78-count indictment with criminal possession of stolen property in the first degree, conspiracy in the fourth degree, scheme to defraud in the first degree, identity theft in the first degree, falsifying business records in the first degree and grand larceny in the second and third degrees.<\/p>\n

Three defendants were arraigned Tuesday before Queens Supreme Court Justice Leigh Cheng who ordered them to return to court October 29. One defendant was apprehended in Florida and will be arraigned at a later date and one remains at large. If convicted, they each face up to 25 years in prison.<\/p>\n

DA Katz said that, according to the charges and investigation, defendant Mauricio Villamarin represented to numerous individuals that he was purchasing distressed residential properties, renovating them, and selling them for profit through a company called World Business Holdings. Defendant Julian Velez was represented as an employee of Villamarin\u2019s at World Business Holdings. Villamarin and Velez pitched nearly all the victims of the scam to invest in the company. To further lure victims into their scheme, Villamarin and Velez taught courses on entrepreneurship and investing in real estate.<\/p>\n

Many of these individuals said that they lacked capital to invest. Villamarin and Velez allegedly told victims that their lack of capital was no obstacle because World Business Holdings worked with a third-party consultant who could obtain loans and credit cards in the victims\u2019 names. Villamarin and Velez told victims that they could invest in the company by surrendering loan proceeds to World Business Holdings and by authorizing World Business Holdings to make charges on the credit cards. The duo allegedly promised most of the victims that they would be provided with monthly Zelle payments for their loan and credit card payment obligations until the victims saw profits from their investments.<\/p>\n

Defendant Linoshka Guzman allegedly went to victims\u2019 homes, often accompanied by Villamarin, to complete loan and credit-card applications using the victims\u2019 personal information. The defendants often inflated the victims\u2019 incomes on the applications to fraudulently induce the banks to issue larger loans and credit cards with higher spending limits. After making their \u201cinvestments,\u201d some of the victims never received official updates about how their money was being used. Others were told that their money was invested into the \u201cfix-and-flip\u201d of specific homes in Corona, on Long Island or in Westchester County. A review of public records regarding the Corona and Westchester homes revealed that the defendants never purchased these properties.<\/p>\n

Records revealed that a company controlled by the defendants purchased, renovated and sold the Long Island property but that the sale proceeds were diverted into bank accounts controlled by the defendants instead of being used for the benefit of the victims as the defendants had promised.<\/p>\n

In one instance, the defendants allegedly induced a Spanish-speaking Connecticut couple to sign a document and then used these signatures and a fake notarization stamp to fraudulently convey the couple\u2019s home to a company they controlled. The defendants then took out a mortgage on the property to raise additional money for their scheme, all without the victims\u2019 knowledge.<\/p>\n

Some of the fraudulently obtained money was used to pay expenses that helped perpetuate the company\u2019s appearance of legitimacy such as rent for office space in Long Island City. Other money was used for personal expenses like restaurants, airfare, hotels, Lyft and Netflix and to buy goods from luxury retailers such as Louis Vuitton.<\/p>\n

The victims of the scheme were variously saddled with loan and credit card debt, forced to defend lawsuits from lenders, encumbered by monetary judgements or driven to file for bankruptcy.<\/p>\n

TWO EDGEMERE MEN PLEAD GUILTY TO MANSLAUGHTER: <\/p>\n

Defendants Ashram Lochan and Jovan Young Expected to be Sentenced to 19 Years and 24 Years in Prison, Respectively, Later this Month<\/p>\n

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced today that Ashram Lochan and Jovan Young have pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the first degree for the 2021 shooting that caused the death of a 10-year-old boy and seriously injured another man. The incident was sparked by an earlier dispute over a shared driveway.<\/p>\n

District Attorney Katz said: \u201cThis incredibly senseless killing devastated the entire city. A 10-year-old boy, just days from his next birthday, was shot and killed as he met his cousin at the door. Defendant Jovan Young, acting at the behest of Ashram Lochan, fired multiple rounds into the home because of a dispute over a shared driveway. Tragically, Justin Wallace lost his life, while the child\u2019s cousin was struck by multiple bullets and survived. We hope this plea will help Justin\u2019s family as they continue to mourn his loss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lochan, 32, of Edgemere, pleaded guilty last month to manslaughter in the first degree before Queens Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant who indicated that she would sentence him to 19 years in prison to be followed by five years post-release supervision on October 16. Young, 34, of Edgemere, pleaded guilty on October 6 to manslaughter in the first degree before Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Yavinsky who indicated that he would sentence Young to 24 years in prison to be followed by five years post-release supervision on October 23.<\/p>\n

Both defendants pleaded guilty in satisfaction of indictments that variously charged them with murder in the second degree, attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and tampering with physical evidence.<\/p>\n

According to the indictment and investigation, on June 5, 2021, Lochan was involved in a dispute with victim, Kyle Forrester, 29, who lived next door on Beach 45th Street, over their shared driveway. Later that evening, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Young, acting at Lochan\u2019s direction, fired a pistol multiple times into Forrester\u2019s residence and in his direction as he entered his front door. Forrester was struck multiple times in the back, once in the hand and once in the neck and was immediately transported to a local hospital. Justin Wallace, 10, who was inside, near the door, was struck once in the chest. He was immediately transported to a local hospital where he later died from the gunshot wound.<\/p>\n

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

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

\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"CB3 MONTHLY MEETING: Community Board 3 will hold its Monthly Board Meeting on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":373515,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[9,24,63,122,124,123],"class_list":["post-373514","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-queens","tag-new-york","tag-new-york-city","tag-nyc","tag-queens","tag-queens-headlines","tag-queens-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/373514","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=373514"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/373514\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/373515"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=373514"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=373514"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=373514"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}