By DEVON ST. CLAIRE

On June 22, 2017 a federal jury found former, City Council President and attorney in Hoboken, New Jersey Christopher Campos guilty of bank wire fraud and conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud.

Christopher Campos, Julio Alvarez and their co-conspirators fraudulently obtained millions of dollars in car loans based on false representations that the straw buyers would use the cars for their personal use, when in fact, Campos and his co-conspirators obtained the vehicles in order to lease them as livery cabs. They used at least 20 straw buyers to acquire more than 200 new automobiles.

Between approximately October 2012 and September 2013, Campos and Alvarez enlisted and aided individuals with good credit histories (“straw buyers”) to submit fraudulent car loan applications to numerous lenders in order to secure financing in connection with the purchase of these new cars. Straw buyers were sent to several car dealerships throughout New York City in order to obtain new vehicles. Dealership employees then helped straw buyers submit fraudulent loan applications.

Rather then stating that the vehicles would be used as part of the defendants’ leasing business, the straw buyers submitted auto loan applications falsely stating that the vehicles would be used for the buyers’ personal use. The car loan applications misrepresented personal information about the straw buyers including their incomes and assets. Financing applications were then sent to multiple financial institutions at the same time so the lenders would not figure out that the straw buyers were incurring obligations to other lenders for the purchase of multiple new automobiles. All of this was under the direction of Campos. Approximately 20 other straw buyers aided Campos and Alvarez in the purchase of about 200 new vehicles and more than $7 million in fraudulently obtained loans which ultimately went into default.

The trial went on for about a week and took place before U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni, who is scheduled to sentence Campos on September 20, 2017. Julio Alvarez, is scheduled to be sentenced on September 8, 2017 before Judge Caproni and has pled guilty to bank and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud on June 9, 2017. The conspiracy and bank fraud charges each carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and the wire fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

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By JUSTICE CAMPBELL

United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt announced yesterday that a federal jury in Syracuse, New York convicted Luis Estela of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin after a two-day trial.

July 2015, Mr. Estela became a member of a heroin trafficking organization operating in Utica and Rome, New York based on evidence that was presented at trial. The evidence shed light on the fact that the defendant helped the organization package heroin and assisted in selling drugs along the Erie Canal Trail in Rome.

On November 9, 2017 Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby will sentence Estela who faces a fine of up to $1,000,000, up to 20 years in prison, and a term of supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. This case was investigated by the New York State Police-Community Narcotics Enforcement Team-Central (NYSP-CNET), the DEA, the City of Rome Police Department, City of Utica Police Department, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, and Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Levine and Carla Freedman.

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By DEVON ST. CLAIRE

At age 100, the Columbo family underboss, John “Sonny” Franzese, was released from a Massachusetts prison hospital last week. Newsday reported that Franzese has been in and out of jail for most of his adult life and was granted parole at least six times by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

In 2010, at the age of 93 Franzese was sentenced to 8 years in prison for shaking down the Hustler and Penthouse strip clubs in Manhattan.

Newsday reported, Franzese was acquitted and believed to be responsible for 50 to 100 murder cases going back for decades. However, he was sentenced to 50 years in prison in 1967 for his involvement in a bank robbery conspiracy. He never completed his time because he was released on the account of good behavior. “I’d be shocked if he doesn’t live to 100. That man can do jail time standing on his head,” Franzese’s wife, Cristina explained to the New York Daily News.

In 2006, investigators caught him on tape describing his method of making bodies disappear. CBS reported Franzese as saying, ”Dismember victim in kiddie pool. Cook body parts in microwave. Stuff parts in garbage disposal. Be patient.”

Franzese’s release has also been confirmed by his son, Michael Franzese in a twitter message, “It’s official! Dad has been released! 100 years old, a free man! PRAISE GOD!,” John Franzese is one of the most dangerous crime bosses of his time and his son Michael could have very well followed in his footsteps. However, Michael sought answers from a power higher then the mob and has since turned to God. Today Michael Franzese tours the world as a Christian sharing his testimony of how he is one of the very few men who survived the mafia and could leave that lifestyle behind without any repercussions. He credit’s God for this divine protection. Whereas, Franzese’s other son, John Franzese Jr. was also a Colombo associate but instead became an informant and testified against his father. John Jr. is currently in witness protection.

First busted for assault at the age of 19, then labeled “too violent” for the US Army who discharged him in 1942, John “Sonny” Franzese could have left behind a legacy of being a powerful soldier who risked his life to defend his country, instead he spent most of his life behind bars and at the age of 100 he will live out the rest of his days at his daughters home in Brooklyn, NY confined to a wheelchair, suffering from kidney problems, hearing loss and a bad heart.

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By DEVON ST. CLAIRE

Today, Richard S. Hartunian, announced that after serving seven and one-half years in office and 20 years with the Department Of Justice, he will step down as U. S. Attorney of the Northern District of New York on June 30, 2017. United States Attorney, Hartunian said, “Serving as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York has been the highest professional privilege of my lifetime. It has been an honor to work with the men and women of the Department of Justice and to witness the immeasurable commitment to justice of my law enforcement colleagues throughout the nation. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to lead an office of outstanding, dedicated professionals who work tirelessly, day in and day out, to keep our communities safe. I am proud of our achievements and confident that the good work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue under the outstanding leadership of Acting United States Attorney Jaquith.”

On January 3, 2010, Richard S. Hartunian took office as the 48th United States Attorney of the Northern District of New York. Hartunian worked alongside his U.S. Attorney colleagues across the nation to fight violent crime, child exploitation, promote boarder security, improve police/community relations and address the nationwide heroin/opioid abuse epidemic. In the same year, Hartunian was also honored by the Armenian Bar Association as the first United States Attorney of Armenian descent. In 2016 and 2017 he served as the Chair of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee. After his sister Lynn was killed in the 1988 terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 his highest priority was to fight terrorist activity. He also worked as a long time narcotic’s prosecutor on both the local and federal level’s and even combated financial fraud.

U.S. Attorney Hartunian doubled the number of AUSAs that handled civil matters and emphasized affirmative civil enforcement cases in the areas of health care and defense procurement that strengthened the NDNY Civil Division. He instituted programs designed to maximize recoveries and informed industry representatives about the NDNY’s increased enforcement efforts, as a member of the AGAC’s Health Care and Environmental Issues Subcommittees.

Crime prevention has been a top priority for Hartunian working through a youth violence reduction program designed to help 5th grade students steer clear of gangs, drugs, violence, and vandalism called, LEADership Project and other interdisciplinary forums to address the epidemic of opioid and synthetic drug abuse.

“Throughout his service as a career prosecutor and as United States Attorney, Rick Hartunian has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the cause of justice. He is an excellent colleague and a reliable friend. I thank Rick for his twenty years of distinguished federal service and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career.” states Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein.

Hartunian has also received many awards for his work, including the Federal Bureau of Prisons General Counsel’s Exemplary Assistance Award, the Narcotics Enforcement Officers’ Association U.S. Department of Justice Award, various Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Regional Awards, and several case-related commendations.

Hartunian plans to enter private practice, with a further announcement to follow.

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By JUSTICE CAMPBELL

Established in 2013, Bowlmor AMF has become the largest operator of bowling centers in the world. They specialize in corporate and special events, as well as league and walk-in retail bowling. They recently partnered with Autism Speaks by supporting the organizations efforts in promoting solutions across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. On June 21, 2017 – the first day of summer, they donated $1 from every “Summer Game Pass” that was purchased nationwide, to Autism Speaks.

Bowlero, Bowlmor Lanes, Brunswick Zone XL, and AMF centers nationwide participated in this event. The Summer Game Passes are considered season passes for bowling at Bowlmor AMF centers across the country. Passes are available for purchase for all ages, from now through Labor Day. Prices range from $9.95-$39.95 for children 15 and younger and $15.95-$44.95 for those 16 and older depending on the center. Summer Games Passes can be purchased for centers across the country at: www.BowlSummerGames.com

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By DEVON ST. CLAIRE

By JUSTICE CAMPBELL

By ROCCO ARTESIAN

Politicos statewide in New York lament job creation and job growth. This is an old tune, not just in New York, but throughout the country. The elected officials’ wailing and moaning, allegedly on behalf of the working American, is on the local, state, and federal levels. Every so often, a dude like Donald Trump comes along and is earnest about making a difference. To be fair, there are political leaders, from the smallest of municipalities to the largest of states, who also are genuine in their concern for the plight of those U.S. citizens who desire to not only work, but to attain the American dream.

In furtherance of truly seeking to create and maintain jobs for the residents of the State of New York, State Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb issued a press release, stating:

“The state’s efforts to create jobs are not working as well as they should. In order to improve New York’s economy, especially Upstate, we must commit to a focused, robust job-creation agenda. Upstate New York’s job growth lags well behind the rest of the nation, and without a thriving job market we risk a sluggish economy and a continually dwindling population.

“The Assembly Minority Conference has advocated for programs that provide cost-effective solutions to New York’s job problem but have been ignored year after year. The state’s corrupt and wasteful economic development programs have failed to deliver for taxpayers and the time for change is overdue. It’s time to rethink our strategy and move toward jobs programs that offer value for taxpayers shelling out huge parts of their paychecks each month.

“According to a recent report, New York spent $8 billion in 2015 on economic incentives. That amounts to as much as the next three biggest states combined. In return, we have seen essentially insignificant results. Under this governor, upstate job growth has increased by a paltry 2.7 percent. The national average is 11 percent. We must seriously question the motivation for handing out such enormous sums of money with such a disappointing return on investment.

“In addition to reforming the broken economic development programs that have plagued the state, we must also alleviate the crushing taxes and regulations that inhibit the backbone of our state— small businesses. The Assembly Minority Conference has offered a number of solutions aimed at creating quality jobs.

“The Small Business Full Employment Act would broadly cut taxes and create a review panel to find ways to reduce unnecessary and burdensome regulations. It would also prohibit the state from passing on expensive costs to small businesses, schools and local governments (A.5423, Kolb). We have seen too many questionable economic-development gimmicks. It’s time for permanent solutions.

“Our Conference has proposed a Learning for Work Program designed to provide a more direct path from high school to the workforce, including a youth apprenticeship program, Enhanced Regents Professional Degree and youth apprenticeship tax credit (A.4333, Lupinacci). Combined, these will give young men and women the tools they need to begin filling important jobs and providing businesses with a strong, capable workforce. By ensuring New York has trained and motivated workers, we can help businesses grow.

New York cannot sustain its shrinking tax base and weak job market much longer. Florida has already surpassed New York in population and our ineffective economic development programs have done nothing to reverse that trend. We must make drastic changes now, and get New York’s economy trending in the right direction. The hard-working people of our state deserve nothing less.”

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By DANIEL SONNINSHINE

The Belmont Stakes has occurred nearly 150 times. this year will be its 149th racing festival. In honoring this anticipated, New York State tradition, Governor Andrew Cuomo has directed the Kosciuszko Bridge to be lit green and white.

“The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival attracts worldwide attention, thousands of visitors and millions of dollars of economic activity on Long Island and across the entire New York Metropolitan area,” Governor Cuomo stated.

The Belmont Stakes features thoroughbred horse racing, scores of vendors, and concerts, all over a three-day period.  The event is being held held through June 10 in Elmont, New York.

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