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ICP has published a (double) book about
a variety of Bronx-relevant topics -- a review in
Commonweal magazine of Dec. 5, 2003, opines that
"Predatory Bender... is as vivid an account of life in
the Bronx as you are likely to read" -- click here for
sample chapters, here for
an interactive map,
here
for fast ordering
and
delivery, and here for
other ordering
information. See
also, "City
Lit: Roman a Klepto [Review of ‘Predatory Bender’],"
by Matt Pacenza, City Limits, Sept.-Oct. 2004. CBS
MarketWatch of April 23, 2004, says the
the novel has "some very funny moments," and that the
non-fiction mixes "global statistics and first-person accounts."
The Washington
Post
of March 15, 2004, calls Predatory Bender: America in
the Aughts "the first novel about predatory lending;" the
London
Times of April 15, 2004, "A Novel Approach," said it "has
a cast of colorful characters." The Pittsburgh
City Paper of Dec. 11, 2003, wrote that it "may, in fact,
be the first great American lending malfeasance novel" including
"low-level loan sharks, class-action lawyers, corporate bigwigs,
hired muscle, corrupt politicians, Iraq War veterans, Wall
Street analysts, reporters and one watchdog with a Web
site." And all in The Bronx! Click
here
for that
review; for more information, contact us.
See, in Nov 2021, Inner City Press' book "Belt and Roadkill,"
here
by
Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book
Substack
SDNY
COURTHOUSE, Dec 3 – Three Georgians were
arrested on November 14, 2023 on an organized
crime indictment
a longtime judge called "barebones."
They
consented to detention and don't have a next
court date until June 2024. Inner City Press
covered each step.
After
three 6:05 am arrested, the prosecutors
announced an Indictment charging VAZHA
GABADADZE, a/k/a “Natan Yusupov,” KAKHA
KATSADZE, TEIMURAZ TAVBERIDZE and DAVIT
TIKARADZE with extortion offenses.
Inner
City Press went to the U.S. District Court for
the Southern District of New York Magistrates
Court and was the only media there as all three
were presented, and then arraigned. From the thread
Now
in 14B, before Judge Rakoff who says: This is
the most barebones indictment I've ever seen.
Exactly
a year later, defendant Teimuraz Tavberidze was
scheduled to plead guilty. But it did not
happen. Inner City Press went, from the thread:
Citing
Hobbs Act and a Supreme Court decision was the
70s, US v Enmons, 410 US 396, Judge Rakoff says
" I am not going to accept the guilty plea
today." Trial also postponed, defense goes kut
into hall with prosecutors, leaving defendant
alone at defense table
They're
back - and defendant is no longer trying to
plead guilty, at least not today. No trial
Monday: defense counsel will go to MDC with
Georgian interpreter
The
plea did not go forward, trial is set for
December 2: "Oral Argument as to Teimuraz
Tavberidze held on 11/22/2024 The Court
will pick 15 jurors for this trial. The trial
will commence with colloquy between the Court
and counsel at 10:00am on Monday December 2,
2024 "
At
some point after that, Teimuraz's lawyers made a
motion to adjourn the trial, not into the
docket. The US Attorney's Office opposed it,
explaining that the Victim's dashboard video at
issue has only ten minutes of speaking and that
they turned it over as soon as aware.
The
trial started without delay on December 2, with
a professor of crime in the former Soviet Union
on the witness stand.
On
December 3, the defendant's text messages - in
Georgian script, translated into English - were
read out to the jury, replete with F-bombs and
references to The Bronx.. In the gallery row in
front of Inner City Press four women passed
around Georgian interpretation headphones.
The case is USA v. Gabadadze, et al, 1:23-cr-585 (Rakoff)
The dissed Indictment is on Patreon here
***
Your support means a lot. As
little as $5 a month helps keep us going and grants you access
to exclusive bonus material on our Patreon page. Click here
to become a patron.
by
Matthew R.
Lee, Patreon Substack
FEDERAL COURT, Dec 6 –
Sterling Bancorp, which settled with DOJ on
securities fraud, it trying to sell its Sterling
Bank & Trust including in New York, where it
has a need to improve CRA Investment Test rating
to Everbank. Fair Finance Watch with Inner City
Press on the FOIA has filed a timely first
comment on, the Applications
This is a request for a full copy of, and a
timely first comment on, the Applications of
EverBank to acquire Sterling Bank & Trust
(with a rare Needs to Improve CRA rating on
Investment Test in New York), and not scandal
plagued Sterling
Bancorp.
Sterling Bancorp was recently prosecuted by DOJ;
EverBank purports that by buying the bank
portion it is not touched by the scandal. But
what is the showing that the criminal conduct at
the Bancorp was entirely insulated from the bank
and those who work there, and its
practices? As a
CRA matter, militating for a hearing, Sterling
Bank has a rare Needs to Improve rating on the
investment test in NY.
On
December 4 Everbank's outside counsel wrote in
that FFW "selectively criticizes a single
component of Sterling Bank’s most recent CRA
performance evaluation from states in which
Sterling Bank either no longer operates, will no
longer operate upon completion of the Proposed
Transaction, or maintains only a de minimis
banking presence" -- that would be New York, no
commitment to improve on the Needs to Improve.
As to Michigan the outside counsel says, or
brags, "EverBank intends to close Sterling
Bank’s only Michigan branch following completion
of the Proposed Transaction."
The
proposal should be denied.
***
by
Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book
Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE,
Nov 27 – The five-count indictment of NYC Mayor
Eric Adams was unsealed in the U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of New York
Magistrates Court. Inner City Press was the
first one in and live tweeted it.
The
unsealing thread
On
September 17 at noon he was arraigned and
pleaded not guilty. Thread.
At
5:58 am on October 1, Adams' lawyers filed a
motion for sanctions alleging grand jury leaks -
memo of law on Patreon here.
On
October 31, Judge Ho denied Adams' and Spiro's
bid for an evidentiary hearing on leaks. Order
on Patreon here.
On
November 1 Judge Ho heard argument, including
the AUSA citing Judge Rochan's denial of a
Snyder motion to dismiss in US v Starks, one of
the NYCHA bribery cases Inner City Press has
covered - and reserved decision - on Count V,
and set the trial day for April 21, 2025 - thread
On
November 11 Adams' lawyer at Quinn Emanuel wrote
in asking to move up the trial from April 21 to
April 1 - April Fools Day. Letter on Patreon here.
On
November 20, Judge Ho issued a 4 page ruling
including that "The parties are ORDERED to meet
and confer with respect to: (a) the feasibility
of a pretrial schedule for an April 1, 2025,
trial date [and] submit a joint status letter no
later than November 27, 2024" - full document on
Patreon here
Past
5 pm on November 27 the joint letter made clear
that Adams is no longer waiving CIPA but still
wants April 1, saying two of his lawyers have a
trial in DDC before Judge McFadden (US v. Kim,
24-cr-265, on May 6 that will not move.
More/extra
on X for Subscribers here
and Substack
here
The case is USA v. Adams, 1:24-cr-556 (Ho)
***
by
Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book
Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE,
Nov 22 – For days Inner City Press had heard
from its sources there would be a "takedown" on
February 6, each SDNY Magistrate Judge would
handle seven to 10 defendants.
Arrests
happen at 6 am. So at 5:55 am Inner City Press
tweeted it, first to X subscribers with the
spoiler alert: the expectation was that each of
the current or former NYCHA employees would be
released on bond the same day.
And
then hours later at 9:39 am the prosecutors
announced it. Media rushed around reporting
it. Inner City Press had it first, and
after discretely waiting, published it first.
Then this thread of presentments, here
On
September 16, NYCHA defendant Charles Starks
moved to dismiss, noting that the indictment
provided "almost no detail on... the timing" -
and citing the Supreme Court's Snyder v. US
decision.
On
November 12, NYCHA defendant Hector Colon was
moving toward trial to start on November 18.
Inner City Press went to the final pre-trial
conference, where discussion ranged from a
Punjabi interpreter to voir dire.
On
November 18 Inner City Pres was there, from the
thread:
US v
Hector Colon. Contractor witness with immunity
agreement tells jury he bribed 20 to 25 NYCHA
employees.
AUSA:
Why did you pay? Witness ( through Punjabi
interpreter) They demanded it or they wouldn't
sign off on our work, the SOS, so we could get
paid.
On
November 21, after the jury sent out a note
including that "we are having a lot of discord,
some are more driven by bias + don't believe
some items." The US Attorney's Office wanted to
ask if anyone on the jury is refusing to
deliberate based on the Court's instructions;
the defense does not want to ask, at least not
yet.
On
November 22 Inner City Press was in the
courtroom when Juror 10 was taken into the
robing room to be questioned about having done
his own research. Unclear, at least to the press
and public, what was said. But a guilty verdict
was returned: "HECTOR COLON was convicted today
of bribery and extortion under color of official
right for taking thousands of dollars from
contractors in exchange for awarding those
contractors no-bid contracts or approving
payment on previously awarded contracts at NYCHA
developments for approximately three
years. The verdict followed a four-day
trial before U.S. District Judge Lewis J.
Liman."
by
Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book
Substack
SDNY
COURTHOUSE, Nov 13 –
Two men were
presented and
detained in
Manhattan
Federal court
on August 9,
2023 for a
shooting of an
11-month-old
baby in
January 2022.
The baby was
in the
courtroom -
and so was
Inner City
Press. Thread:
OK
- now
presentment of
AHMED ALTOREI
& SAMUEL
BAUTISTA after
a street
shooting on
Jan 19, 2022,
targeting a
rival drug
dealer but
shot an
11-month-old
baby in the
face.
Courtroom
filling.
Deputy:
Mr Lazzaro,
are you
consenting?
[To detention]
A:
Yes. [This
could be a
short one]
In
the gallery, a
couple with a
baby...
All rise!
Lance
Lazzaro, for
Ahmed Altorei
(he i$
retained)
Federal
Defender for
Samuel
Bautista, with
financial
affidavit.
Judge:
Cocaine base
aka crack
sales, using
guns,
brandished and
discharged.
Bautista is a
felon, with
.380
ammo
Judge:
Both consent
to detention
without
prejudice.
Medical order
as to Mr
Bautista.
AUSA: Next is
Sept 8 at 11
am in the U.S.
District Court
for the
Southern
District of
New York.
Afterward,
the couple and
the now older
than a year
baby went out
together down
the hall.
On
September 8,
the two were
back in court,
before SDNY
Chief Judge
Laura Taylor
Swain. Inner
City Press was
there. Beyond
setting the
next
conference for
Novemver 15 at
11:30 am,
Bautista asked
to be released
on bond.
The
AUSA responded
with a
narrative of
the background
to the
shooting: a
feud with
Tyrone Handley
a/k/a Smokey,
in and around
2860 Grand
Concourse and
198th Street
in The Bronx.
The baby's
parents spoke,
and urged that
detention be
continued. As
docketed on
September 12,
it was.
On
October 5,
docketed
October 6, a
superseding
indictment,
with Altorei,
Bautista and
Ronald Coradin
a/k/a
Scrappy...
On February 16, 2024 there was a hearing; Inner City Press went, the only media there.
AUSA:We
will complete
discovery in a
month, and
return to
court May 14.
It
was November
13 when Inner
City Press was
back in the
courtroom on
the case, the
three
defendants -
one with a
foot issue -
in the jury
box, from the
thread:
One
of the three
detained
defendant
needs to be
seen by
outside
doctor; AUSA
says OK but
date will not
be given.
Three
week trial in
3 to 6 months.
Next is Jan
16. Detention
continues
Inner
City Press
will stay on
the
case(s).
The case is US v. Altorei, et al., 23-cr-407 (Swain)
***
by
Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book
Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE,
Nov 6 – There is more to the battle between
unlicensed tow truck companies in the South
Bronx than was first announced by prosecutors.
On October 22 they charged "CHRISTIAN LUGO with
a leadership role in a racketeering conspiracy
that used fraud and violent intimidation to run
a tow truck and auto repair shop known as
Certified Auto. On February 7, 2022, LUGO
ordered a co-conspirator who worked for him at
Certified Auto to shoot at members of a rival
tow truck company, which resulted in the death
of Gloria Ortiz."
Inner
City Press attended the presentment, then on
October 25 the arraignment before U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of New York
Judge Dale E. Ho. There were family members and
supporters of the defendant there, but no other
media. Inner City Press live
tweeted:
All
rise! Judge Ho: How do you plead? Lugo: Not
guilty.
AUSA:
They dominated the unlicensed tow truck business
in the South Bronx, Bruckner Expressway area
racketeering, then engaged in a shooting with a
rival resulting in death [Echo of fire-chaser
trial here, of Jatiek Smith] AUSA: After the
murder the defendant fled to Florida and his tow
truck company was renamed. Judge Ho: Any
superseding indictment?
AUSA:
We found a bullet, we may add a felon in
possession of ammunition charged, he has a
previous conviction in EDNY. Judge Ho: At the
very end of February I have a conflict - so, Feb
24. This case is death penalty eligible - I
received a letter from Federal Defenders today.
AUSA: The decision on seeking death is in DC,
should be made by early November
Judge
Ho: I will put the Federal Defender letter on
the docket [Doesn't do that in all cases, for
example unsealing request in Russian oligarch's
yacht seizure case.]
Judge Ho has invited or schedule a bail
application. In Magistrates Court, bail was
denied.
On
November 6, "the Government wr[ote] to inform
the Court that the Government will not seek the
death penalty against defendant Christian Lugo
in this matter."
The
more was that two unlicensed companies have
carved up the Bruckner Expressway into turf -
beyond the shooting, what about the car crash
(or break down) victims?
This case is USA v. Lugo, 1:24-cr-606 (Ho)
***
by
Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book
Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE,
Nov 1 – The five-count indictment of NYC Mayor
Eric Adams was unsealed in the U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of New York
Magistrates Court. Inner City Press was the
first one in and live tweeted it - as it will
his presentment, now set for Friday, September
27 at noon.
The
unsealing thread
On
September 17 at noon he was arraigned and
pleaded not guilty. Thread.
On
September 30, Adams' lawyers now including
William Burck did file a motion to dismiss...
Count V, on the Turkish Mission. 25 page memo of
law of Patreon here.
At
5:58 am on October 1, Adams' lawyers filed a
motion for sanctions alleging grand jury leaks -
memo of law on Patreon here.
On
October 18, the US Attorney's Office opposed
Adams' motion about Count V, recounting that
"Adams's deal with the Turkish Official
continued into 2022, when Adams was Mayor and
had direct authority over 'the FDNY approvals'
he agreed to influence." Opposition on Patreon here.
On
October 25 Adams' lawyer wrote in: "Mayor Adams
respectfully requests a trial date no later than
March 2025, in advance of the New York City
mayoral primary on June 24 (and early voting on
June 14)... Letter on Patreon here.
On
October 31, Judge Ho denied Adams' and Spiro's
bid for an evidentiary hearing on leaks. Full
Order on Patreon here.
On
November 1 Judge Ho heard argument - and
reserved decision - on Count V, and set the
trial day for April 21, 2025 - thread
More/extra
on X for Subscribers here
and Substack
here
The case is USA v. Adams, 1:24-cr-556 (Ho).
***
by
Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book
Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE,
Oct 23 – A man charged with robbing a bank on
Sedwick Avenue in The Bronx with an imitation
gun was released on $250,000 bond on October 23
in the U.S. District Court for the Southern
District of New York Magistrates Court. Inner
City Press was there, the only media in the SDNY
Mag Court. Thread:
AUSA:
We allege he also committed an armed robbery of
a pizzeria, a Papa John's on Aug 23 for $1500,
and another bank. He car-jacked a cab. The gun
turned out to be fake. But it terrified them.
AUSA:
During the robbery his hat fell off. He bought
another one. He was wearing a sleeveless hoody
showing a tattoo that can be seen right now in
the courtroom [He is in a sleeveless
T-shirt]
Federal
Defender: He requires blood thinners. He is the
home health aide for his brother who had his
legs amputated. Having once had a gun point at
me, I don't want to minimize that - but his only
conviction, in Fort Lee NJ, was long ago.
FD:
He lives in his mother's house. Judge: Does she
own it free and clear, to put it up as security?
FD: We don't know, she is traveling in the
Dominican Republic.
AUSA:
If you release him, make it home confinement
Judge: He has not been charged for any pizzeria
robbery. His gun was not real. He is a
naturalized citizen. I will release him on a
$250,000 bond; one co-signer must be his mother
Judge: No possession of a fire arm - or of an imitation fire arm. He can be released today. The case is US v. Martinez, 24-mj-3654 (Stein)
***
by
Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book
Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE,
Oct 18 – A Bronx plumber who states he was
stomped by NYPD officers after they found a
plumber's blade in a tool bag in his house has
sued the City of New York and five John and Jane
Doe police officers.
On October 18, plaintiff's and the City's
lawyers appeared before new U.S. District Court
for the Southern District of New York Magistrate
Judge Henry J. Ricardo. Inner City Press covered
the case, seemingly among Judge Ricardo's
first.
The plaintiff's lawyer asked to be exempted from
the Local Rule 83.10 Plan, which he said makes
such cases move to slowly. He implored Judge
Ricardo that "minority judges" here often ignore
the plan, and that the EDNY no longer uses it.
Judge Ricardo reminded that this is the SDNY,
and denied the motion without prejudice to it
being renewed by October 30.
The City's lawyer let slip that the police visit
was "DV" - domestic violence. Her answer annex
NYPD records to that effect.
Plaintiff's counsel concluded with "Welcome to
the bench," adding, of the SDNY.
The case is Robinson v. City of New York, et al., 1:24-cv-3282 (Ho / Ricardo)
***
by
Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book
Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE,
Oct 8 – NYC Mayor Eric Adams' chief liaison to
the Muslim community Mohamed Bahi was arrested
and charged with obstruction of justice and
destruction of records in connection with
alleged straw donors to Adams.
On
October 8 he was presented before U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of New York
Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. Inner
City Press live tweeted, thread:
[Bahi
is brought out by US Marshals in an Under Armor
shirt, is whispering with his lawyer.] All rise!
Deputy: Presentment of Mohamed Bahi, 24
Magistrate 3535. Defense: I am only on this for
the presentment Judge: Time of arrest?
AUSA:
Today at 6:20 am.
Judge:
Mr. Bahi, you are charged with obstruction of
justice and destruction of records in connection
with alleged straw donations to a candidate for,
uh, Mayor Judge: You do have
retained counsel for today. Have you reviewed
the complaint?
Counsel: Yes. Judge: Because this is a complaint
you have the right to a preliminary hearing....
We'll set a date in a bit. But now we are going
to address if you can be released.
AUSA:
We propose release on $250,000 bond co-signed by
two financially responsible person, and the
Pre-Trial conditions with the exception of
Condition 5 AUSA: No contact with
co-conspirators or witnesses in this case
outside of the presence of his counsel. Judge:
Acceptable to the defense? Counsel: They are,
Your Honor.
Judge:
These terms are acceptable to the Court. Mr.
Bahi, you will be released on those terms. If
you fail to adhere - fail to appear or violate
the conditions - a warrant will be issued for
your arrest, the bond must be bail, you can be
charged with bail jumping Judge: We are
adjourned.
The case is US v. Bahi, 24-mj-3535 (Lehrburger)
***
by
Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book
Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE,
Oct 3 – The five-count indictment of NYC Mayor
Eric Adams was unsealed in the U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of New York
Magistrates Court. Inner City Press was the
first one in and live tweeted it - as it will
his presentment, now set for Friday, September
27 at noon.
The
unsealing thread
On
September 17 at noon he was arraigned and
pleaded not guilty. Thread.
On
September 30, Adams' lawyers now including
William Burck did file a motion to dismiss...
Count V, on the Turkish Mission. 25 page memo of
law of Patreon here.
At
5:58 am on October 1, Adams' lawyers filed a
motion for sanctions alleging grand jury leaks -
memo of law on Patreon here.
On
October 2, Inner City Press live tweeted the
proceeding here;
the next day is November 1, with Adams
requesting a February or March trial
On
October 3, the US Attorney's Office wrote in
that " because the schedule for CIPA practice
may inform the overall schedule for other events
in the case, the Government respectfully
requests that the Court hold the Section 2
conference before finalizing a trial schedule in
this case." Letter on Patreon here.
More/extra
on X for Subscribers here
and Substack
here
The case is USA v. Adams, 1:24-cr-556 (Ho).
***
by
Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book
Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE,
Sept 27 – The five-count indictment of NYC Mayor
Eric Adams was unsealed in the U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of New York
Magistrates Court. Inner City Press was the
first one in and live tweeted it - as it will
his presentment, now set for Friday, September
27 at noon.
The
unsealing thread
On
September 17 at noon he was arraigned and
pleaded not guilty. He was released on his own
signature, not to speak to witnesses (about the
case), and allowed to keep his passport, which
is rare. His lawyer Alex Spiro said that on
October 2 he will move to dismiss. Thread.
More/extra
on Substack here
& X for Subscribers here
The case is USA v. Adams, 1:24-cr-556 (Ho).
***
by
Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book
Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE,
Sept 16 – Amid the scandals swirling around NYC
Mayor Eric Adams and his inner circle, on
September 16 SDNY US Attorney Damian Williams
announced two indictments, limited to the
FDNY.
"Anthony
Saccavino and Brian Cordasco, two former chiefs
of the New York City Fire Department Bureau of
Fire Prevention, are charged with bribery,
corruption, and false statements offenses… in
connection with a scheme to solicit and accept
tens of thousands of dollars in bribe payments
in exchange for providing preferential treatment
to certain individuals and companies with
matters pending before the
BFP."
At
a press conference in 26 Federal Plaza, Williams
declined to comment on requests to City Hall; he
said one Henry Santiago Jr. is cooperation in
this investigation.
Inner
City Press covered the presentment, then
separate arraignment:
Both
defendants are being released today on $250,000
unsecured bond, 2 co-signers each, no
communications with co-defendants or Santiago Jr
without lawyers present. Turn in guns in 24
hours...
Now
at arraignment of FDNY duo before Distrct Judge.
Both plead not guilty. AUSA: There are 3
terabytes of discovery, iCloud accounts. We'd
like 2 months to produce discovery, conference
in 90 days.
Judge
Lewis J. Liman: I'll set a trial date at that
time - December 17 at 11 am.
Defense
(lawyer of Cordasco) Sounds reasonable.
(Saccavino's) Works for me
But
what about Adams and the Turkish support,
expedition for the Turkish Mission to the UN?
Inner City Press is on the case(s). Watch this
site.
This case is US v. Saccavino, et al., 24-cr-537 (Liman)
***
By
Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon
BBC
- Guardian
UK - Honduras
- ESPN
SDNY
COURTROOM Exclusive, Sept 10 – In the U.S.
District Court for the Southern District of New
York on September 9, 2021 a detention hearing
was held by Magistrate Judge Steward D. Aaron on
a former Bronx school teacher charges with
sexual abusing girls from ten to thirteen years
old.
Jesus Concepcion was arrested on August 7 in the
Western District of North Carolina on a
then-sealed indictment. In the month since,
Concepcion has retained his own New York defense
lawyer, affiliated at least in the docket with a
private investigation firm.
The
indictment says Concepcion "a/k/a Mr. C singled
out the Minor Victims for personal attention, he
gave them money, clothing, jewelry and other
gifts, and he provided them with alcohol...
inducing several of the Minor Victims to engage
in sexual activity with him."
But
no press release was put out about this case.
Judge
Aaron returned from a session with Pre Trial
Services and said he would release Conception on
a $1,000,000 bond, with travel restricted to
SDNY, EDNY and Carolina.
Jump
cut three years to September 4, 2024, when the
US Attorney's Office asked for 45 years
imprisonment on September 10. Two days
before trial, Concepcion pled guilty to 10
counts...
On
September 10, Inner City Press went, and victims
spoke. From the thread:
Victim
3: My sister, I am so sorry for not protecting
you, for bringing this horrible man into our
lives.
Victim
3: She was only 12! You are evil! If it was up
to me, I would ask for capital punishment. I'm
sorry, Your Honor.
Judge:
Take your time....
After
the victims' testimony, including written
testimony by two victims' mother, read out by
the interpreter, Concepcion was sentenced to
thirty years.
This case is US v. Concepcion, 21-cr-479 (Preska).
***
by
Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book
Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE,
Sept 5 – A man charged with two shootings in The
Bronx in February 2024 - one in an apartment
building, another in a corner deli - was brought
before U.S. District Court for the Southern
District of New York Judge Vernon S. Broderick
on September 5. Inner City Press was there, the
only media in the courtroom.
The
defendant, in an orange jumpsuit, has been
detained since March 19. Judge Broderick asked
about the proof that the apartment and room in
which the vest with the ammo in it was found
were those of the defendant, in order to
determine if an evidentiary hearing will be
necessary.
The
Assistant US Attorney, referring to a "trigger
fish" leading to the apartment, said the vest
was in plain view in the bedroom.
A
next conference was set for January 15, 2025 at
1 pm.
The case is US v. Mejia, 24-cr-212 (Broderick)
***
by
Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book
Substack
SDNY EXCLUSIVE,
Aug 27 – A Republican District Leader in the
81st Assembly District in The Bronx has been
indicted for accepting bribes to give out poll
worker jobs, as an employee of the Board of
Elections.
On August 27 at 2 pm, Nicole Torres was
brought by U.S. Marshals before U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of New York
Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron. Inner City
Press was there, the only media in the SDNY Mag
court.
The Assistant US Attorney agreed to release on
unsecured $50,000 bond, with a next conference
before District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil set for
September 10 at 3 pm. The now
unsealed indictment alleged that Torres
"illegally demanded payments from Bronx
residents to herself and a local organization in
exchange for selecting individuals as poll
workers." Full indictment on Patreon here
The case is US v. Torres, 24-cr-499 (Vyskocil / Aaron)
***
by
Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book
Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE,
Aug 20 – A woman who was stopped in
a car with four kilos of narcotics on 180th
Street and Webster Avenue in The Bronx on July
11 appeared on August 20 before U.S. District
Court for the Southern District of New York
Judge Denise L. Cote. Inner City Press was
there.
Judge
Cote, in this initial conference, inquired about
discovery - the Complaint has photos of the
drugs found - and set a trial date: February 3,
2025.
Her retained counsel, who took over from the
Federal Defenders on July 17, has motions, for
example to suppress, due by November 15, with
the government's response due a week after
that.
The case is US v. Valdez, 24-cr-448 (Cote)
***