Retirees

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(OPSR) and others then filed a lawsuit against the city to get the right to opt out of the plan. The group feared potential high co-pays for elderly and disabled retirees and out-of-pocket costs with the new plan.

“This is now the third time in the last two years that courts have had to step in and stop the city from violating retirees’ healthcare rights,” said Marianne Pizzitola, president of the NYC OPSR. “We call on the city and the Municipal Labor Committee to end their ruthless and unlawful campaign to deprive retired municipal workers of the healthcare benefits they earned.”

Barron has also sponsored a city council bill, Int. No. 1099, which will amend the city’s administrative code to offer Medicareeligible city retirees and their dependents a different option than Adams’ Medicare Advantage plan. His bill has at least 12 cosponsors and the backing of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

Fraud

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Secretary Tim Hunter in a statement. “Today’s announcement is a reminder that rigorous audit and oversight processes like we have in New York City safeguard the integrity of our local democracy by helping ensure that criminal schemes like the one alleged today are uncovered.”

According to court documents and statements, said the DA’s office, the defendants illegally structured campaign contributions to maximize the city’s matching funds payout for Adams in his bid for mayor. Technically, the max an individual resident is allowed to donate to a candidate is $2,000, according to the NYCCFB.

Others named in the indictments include Shamsuddin Riza, 70, Millicent Redick, 77, Ronald Peek, 65, Yahya Mushtaq, 28, and Shahid Mushtaq, 29.

The DA’s office said Montgomery and Riza, who are relatives, hoped to do business with the city by recruiting straw donors. In 2020, Montgomery held a virtual fundraiser for Adams’ campaign via Zoom. He recruited straw donors there to make contributions in their names and then reimbursed the donors. Each straw donor falsely certified that they were the source of the contributed funds and that they were not reimbursed, said the DA’s office.

They allegedly repeated the process at fundraisers throughout July and August 2021. Then they used money orders at four post office locations with a falsified campaign contribution card in the names of friends and family members.

The charges for individuals in the group indicted include conspiracy in the fifth degree, attempted grand larceny in the third degree, as well as offering and attempting to offer a false instrument for

AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel said usually when someone retires, they are eligible for Medicare and then if they want supplemental coverage they can get a Medigap policy. But city employees were promised a benefits package that would change under the new “forced” Medicare Advantage plan, she said.

“when they plan to stay with the city all through the years, part of what was on their minds is that they would get this package when they retired, and they would not have to worry about what their healthcare benefits might be,” said Finkel. “It was a promise to them.”

Finkel said that the new plan threatens people’s established relationships with doctors currently covered, provides them with far too little information about many other essential plan specifics, and doesn’t account for inflationary pressures for people on fixed incomes. She strongly agreed with the judge’s decision to temporarily halt the mayor’s plan.

“AARP New York applauds Judge Frank’s decision as a victory for New York City re- filing. Depending on what’s decided, charges like conspiracy are a felony and can carry fines and jail time.

Adams himself has not been indicted in the scheme. On the day of the announcement, he had no public events scheduled and has not directly addressed the situation. The Amsterdam News reached out to City Hall and Adams’ campaign team for comment.

“The campaign thanks the District Attorney’s office for their hard work on behalf of taxpayers,” said Adams’ 2021 campaign spokesperson Evan Thies. “There is no indication that the campaign or the mayor is involved in this case or under investigation. The campaign always held itself to the highest standards and we would never tolerate these actions. The campaign will of course work with the DA’s office, the Campaign Finance Board, and any relevant authorities.” tirees,” said Finkel. “We are encouraged by the ruling to halt the city’s flawed attempt at diminishing care for retirees as the court considers the Mayor’s ill-advised effort—which would risk retirees’ longterm health and retirement security.”

On May 15, NYCCFB hit Adams with fines for alleged violations during his 2021 campaign. The violations included $5,000 for accepting prohibited donations, $200 for failing to properly wind down Transition and Inauguration Entities (TIEs) activities, $14,400 for failing to respond and late response to requests for information or documentation. The charges totaled $19,600.

The Amsterdam News reached out to Montgomery for comment. He declined to comment.

Additional reporting from The Amsterdam News’ Tandy Lau and Damaso Reyes.

Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews1.

As imagined, City Hall is unhappy with the judge’s ruling.

“We are extremely disappointed by this misguided ruling,” said a City Hall spokesperson in response to Amsterdam News’ inquiry. “The city’s Medicare Advantage plan, which was negotiated in close partnership with the Municipal Labor Committee, improves upon retirees’ current plans, including offering a lower deductible, a cap on out-of-pocket expenses, and new benefits, like transportation, fitness programs, and wellness incentives.”

The spokesperson said that delaying the implementation of the Medicare Advantage plan will only cause “greater uncertainty” for city retirees and have a “detrimental” impact on the adopted city budget. The city is currently exploring appellate options.

Peace Walk

Continued from page 3 shooting of 16-year-old Amiere Hayes. Hayes was shot in the head on Marcus Garvey Blvd near Willoughby Avenue by two reportedly teenage shooters on June 19.

During the peace walk, marchers stopped and paid homage to another recent shooting victim. Willie “Brown” Zimmerman, 36, was shot in the torso at Nostrand and Gates Avenues on June 21, said police. Neighbors, family, and friends constructed a large candle memorial and a signed poster board for him.

New Jersey

Continued from page 4 at 7 p.m.

The Piscataway-based Kolor Blynd Bland will initiate the series on July 13 by playing R&B, pop, soul, jazz, Broadway tunes, and more, with dance songs from Earth, Wind & Fire; Maroon 5; and the Jackson 5. Join the concert for a rocking good time!

In the case of inclement weather, call the program hotline at 732-562-2389 after 4 p.m. for updates.

––Compiled by Karen Juanita Carrillo

Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews1.

“If we had connected this individual to resources, protected them, where would they be?” said Zimmerman. “What would be the trajectory of their lives?”

One member from the peace walk said a short prayer for Zimmerman before they solemnly marched on.

Ariama C. Long is a Report for America corps member and writes about politics for the Amsterdam News. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://bit.ly/amnews1.