DIRECT DEPOSIT
BroadChannelParolee SentBacktoPrisonforViolent BankRobbery
Gerald DeRosse served 13 years for bank robbery. In April 2023, just weeks after being paroled, De Rosse grabbed an elderly bank customer around the neck and demanded money from Ridgewood Savings Bank in Glendale. On Tuesday, he was ordered to return upstate for 15 more years behind bars.
Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of NY
Broad Channel Man Returning to Prison after Robbing Bank
By Michael V. Cusenza
He spent 13 years in prison for bank robbery. It took just a few weeks of freedom for him to strike again. And now he’s headed to a federal big house for 15 more years.
On Tuesday, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Gerald DeRosse was sentenced to 180 months in prison for committing a violent robbery of a Ridgewood Savings Bank in Glendale. He is also required to pay $205 in restitution and $205 in forfeiture. DeRosse, 55, pleaded
guilty to the charge in May 2024.
As described in the government’s sentencing memorandum and other court documents, on April 6, 2023, DeRosse entered a branch of Ridgewood Savings Bank on Myrtle Avenue in Glendale, grabbed an elderly bank customer around the neck, and yelled that he was going to “blow her f-----g brains out” if the bank teller did not give him money. Another customer hid under a desk during the robbery. A screenshot from the bank’s video surveillance system, showing this harrowing moment, appears on The Forum front page.
The bank teller obeyed DeRosse’s demand and gave him $205 in cash. DeRosse then fled, but he was identified and arrested by the FBI a few weeks later. DeRosse previously had been convicted of robbery-related crimes on at least seven occasions and was on parole, having served a 13-year sentence for bank robbery at the time he committed this bank robbery. He had been released from state prison less than a month earlier.
“The victims, including an elderly woman the defendant locked in a chokehold, will never forget that day,” said Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Breon Peace.
‘Axe the Tax’ Proposal would Eliminate City Income Taxes for Working-Class Families
By Forum Staff
Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday announced “Axe the Tax for the Working Class,” an ambitious proposal to bring significant tax relief to working-class families and return over $63 million to more than 582,000 New Yorkers.
The plan would eliminate the City Personal Income Tax for fi lers with dependents living at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty line, as well as lower city personal income taxes for fi lers immediately above that threshold too. Mayor Adams will advocate for the proposal as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 New York State budget with the support of State Sen. Leroy Comrie D-St. Albans) and Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn (D-Brooklyn), who will introduce it during the upcoming legislative session. If passed into law, Axe the Tax for the Working Class could bring relief to working-class families as soon as tax year 2025, according to Adams.
Axe the Tax for the Working Class would eliminate New York City Personal Income Taxes for fi lers with dependents — largely families with children — living at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty line. Additionally, the proposal would
gradually phase out the city personal income tax for fi lers immediately above — within $5,000 — of 150 percent of the federal poverty line.
By eliminating the New York City Personal Income Tax for working-class families, the proposal would return nearly $46 million to over 429,000 New Yorkers, including both tax fi lers and their dependents. Additionally, by lowering taxes for
the federal poverty line, the proposal would return another $17 million to over 152,500 New Yorkers, putting more than a collective $63 million back into the pockets of working-class people. The proposal alone will deliver an average benefit of approximately $350 per household.
“Extreme costs are driving many working-class families out of cities like New York, and while, for too many decades, across too
lems languish, our administration said enough is enough. Today, we are unveiling ‘Axe the Tax for the Working Class,’ a bold proposal to eliminate New York City income taxes for hundreds of thousands of working-class New Yorkers and their families here in the five boroughs and lower taxes for even more of our city’s residents,” Adams said. “This ambitious plan will put more than $63 million back into the pockets of over 582,000 New Yorkers, and, when combined with the New York City Earned Income Tax Credit, will put more than $400 million back into the pockets of 2 million working-class New Yorkers. I did not become mayor just to watch other families struggle the way that mine did, so this money will help more families cover rent, pay for prescriptions, and pick up groceries. On issue after issue, New York City is leading the nation, so we’re hopeful more cities across the country will ‘Axe the Tax.’ I want to thank Senator Comrie and Assemblymember Bichotte Hermelyn for agreeing to introduce this legislation, as well as HTC and 32BJ for their support. We look forward to working with Albany over the next few months to pass this landmark proposal and give working-class families the relief they finally deserve.”
Photo Courtesy of Google
DeRosse robbed this bank branch last year.
Photo Courtesy of Google Peace described DeRosse as “a serial bank robber, [who] chose to terrorize hard-working bank tellers and customers, for his own selfish purposes.”
Lithium-ion Battery Sparks another Fire
By Michael V. Cusenza
Following a record-breaking two-week brush fire period, an all-hands Manhattan blaze on Tuesday morning once again thrust lithium-ion batteries to the fore of the city’s fire-prevention conversation.
According to City Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker, one of the batteries stored inside a bike shop on 38th Street sparked the inferno. The FDNY has visited this location several times, issuing violations and summonses each time, Tucker added.
“We’ve conducted enforcement here several times. We’ve written them violations. We’ve written them summonses, but they continued to engage in these unsafe practices, and as you can see, what they've done here endangered everybody, not just the public, but our firefighters as well,” said FDNY Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn. “The FDNY will continue to inspect these stores. This problem persists. It is not going away.”
At 3:08 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, a fire began in a bike shop that sold and rented lithium-ion battery powered bikes and scooters. FDNY units were met with heavy fire and extinguished the fire at 4:32 a.m. A watch line was left in place in the event of a rekindle, and later in the morning, damaged batteries that were in the basement began a second fire at the location.
“Uncertified or malfunctioning lithium-ion batteries being stored in buildings can be ticking time bombs, especially when left charging unsupervised, and people can be badly injured or killed,” Tucker said. “We want everyone to be extremely cautious with how they charge these batteries and how they store them in their apartments or houses
— regardless if they are certified or not. The public should make sure that they're not near doors or windows or points of egress. Most importantly, residents should charge and store them outside where possible. All lithium-ion batteries have the potential to explode.”
In June 2023, the FDNY announced a new action plan to expedite investigations into complaints made via 311 about potentially hazardous conditions involving lithium-ion batteries at bike shops and bike repair shops within the five boroughs. The FDNY continues to encourage New Yorkers who see questionable activity related to lithium-ion batteries to call 311 and lodge a complaint. Questionable activity for charging lithium-ion batteries may include large numbers of batteries being charged close together, overloaded and excessive extension cords, sale of batteries that appear to be refurbished, or informal charging centers that do not appear to be properly licensed businesses.
Members of the FDNY will respond to all complaints within 12 hours and take necessary action to relieve any hazardous conditions on the premises. Actions may include issuing violations and, in some cases, vacate orders.
New Yorkers can report improper storage, charging, or disposal of lithium-ion batteries to 311.
Lithium-ion batteries can also be found in popular holiday gifts, like e-bikes, hoverboards, and drones. They also power various common household devices, including cell phones, laptops, tablets, and power tools. When purchasing devices with these batteries online or in-store, check that the device has been certified by a nationally accredited testing laboratory like UL.
Photo Courtesy of FDNY
The FDNY has visited this location several times, issuing violations and summonses each time.
Medical Doctor Refused to Perform Procedure on HIVPositive Patient
By Forum Staff
Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Breon Peace announced on Tuesday a settlement with Advanced Dermatology, P.C. (Advanced Dermatology), a New Yorkbased practice with dermatology offices located throughout the metropolitan area and other states—including Forest Hills, Bayside, Astoria, and Jackson Heights—resolving allegations that one of its medical doctors violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA), by refusing to perform a scheduled procedure on an individual with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) until the end of the day after all other patients had been treated or reschedule his appointment for another day when no other patients were being treated. Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in places of public accommodation such as medical facilities. HIV is a disability that falls within the protection of the ADA. Advance Dermatology cooperated with the United States’ investigation and in resolving the matter.
This matter was initiated after the U.S. Department of Justice received a complaint from John Doe (identified by a pseudonym to protect his privacy) an individual who
is HIV-positive. John Doe alleged that a dermatologist employed by Advanced Dermatology at its Fresh Meadows office refused to perform a Mohs micrographic surgery on a scheduled date and time. The surgical procedure had been scheduled to treat John Doe’s basal cell carcinoma.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Mohs surgery is a procedure used to treat skin cancer. This surgery involves cutting away thin layers of skin. Each thin layer is looked at closely for signs of cancer. The process keeps going until there are no signs of cancer.
The goal of Mohs surgery is to remove all of the skin cancer without hurting the healthy skin around it. Mohs surgery allows the surgeon to be sure that all the cancer is gone. This makes it more likely
that the cancer is cured. It reduces the need for other treatments or more surgery.
The United States’ investigation determined that the dermatologist refused to perform the scheduled surgery, and that the dermatologist told John Doe that the reason for his refusal was John Doe’s HIV-positive status and concern for the safety of a technician working with the doctor.
The dermatologist told John Doe that he would need to wait until the end of the day after all other patients had been treated or reschedule his appointment for another day when no other patients were being treated. John Doe left Advanced Dermatology that day without being treated. The United States determined that Advanced Dermatology
discriminated against John Doe on the basis of his HIV status in violation of Title III of the ADA.
Under the terms of the settlement, Advanced Dermatology will ensure that its policies and practices are brought into compliance with Title III of the ADA, adopt a non-discrimination policy establishing that Advanced Dermatology does not discriminate in providing services to those with disabilities, and train its staff annually about HIV/AIDS and discrimination. Advanced
Dermatology will also pay a civil penalty of $15,000 to the United States.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no admission or determination of liability.
Photos Courtesy of Advanced Dermatology
Hearing to be Held for Metro Park/Citi Field Project
By Michael V. Cusenza
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. will hold a hybrid Public Hearing on Land Use on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 9:30 a.m. in Room 200 at Queens Borough Hall, with members of the public also able to testify virtually. In addition, the hearing will be streamed live on the Borough President’s Office’s YouTube page at youtube. com/@queensbp.
The agenda for the meeting will focus on a review of zoning and City Map changes sought by the developers behind Metropolitan Park, a proposed mixed-use casino, entertainment, hotel and recreational complex that would be located in what are now parking lots west of Citi Field.
The specific items on the agenda are as follows:
• A n application submitted by Queens Future, LLC, for an amendment of the Zoning Map a.) changing from an R3-2 District to a C8-4 District property bounded by the southerly street line of Northern Boulevard, the former westerly boundary line of Flushing MeadowsCorona Park, the southerly boundary line of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, a line 970 feet southwesterly of Seaver Way, Roosevelt Avenue, and Grand Central Parkway; and b.) establishing a C8-4 District on demapped parkland bounded by the southerly street line of Northern Boulevard, a line 970 feet southwesterly of Seaver Way, Roosevelt Avenue, and the former westerly boundary line of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park (ULURP #250046 ZMQ)
• A n application submitted by Queens Future, LLC, for an amendment to the City Map involving a.) the elimination of a portion of Flushing Meadows Corona Park in an area generally bounded by Northern Boulevard, Seaver Way, Roosevelt Avenue, and Grand Central Parkway; b.) the elimination, discontinuance, and closing of a portion of Grand Central Parkway between Roosevelt Avenue and Northern Boulevard; c.) the establishment
of parkland in an area generally bounded by Northern Boulevard, Seaver Way, Roosevelt Avenue, and Grand Central Parkway; d) the establishment of a portion of a westbound ramp to the Grand Central Parkway; and e.) the adjustment of grades and block dimensions necessitated thereby (ULURP #250047 MMQ)
Those who wish to testify virtually must register in advance by visiting queensbp.nyc.gov and submitting their contact information. Each registrant will receive a confirmation e-mail with instructions on how to participate in the virtual public hearing. Speaking time can also be arranged by calling (718) 2863000 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. prior to the date of the hearing.
If you are testifying virtually you must identify yourself before you speak, keep your camera on during your testimony, display your name accurately on Zoom and state your name for the record. Otherwise, you might not be permitted to testify absent prior approval from the Queens Borough President’s Office. For those planning to dial into the public hearing, please inform the Planning and Development staff in advance by calling 718-286-2860 or by emailing planning2@ queensbp.nyc.gov.
Written testimony is welcome from those unable to testify live. All written testimony must be received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024 and may be submitted by e-mail to planning2@queensbp.nyc.gov, or by conventional mail sent to the Office of the Queens Borough President at 120-55 Queens Blvd. - Room 226, Kew Gardens, NY 114244.
In other Citi Field area news, Richards joined Mayor Eric Adams, City Councilman Francisco Moya (D-Corona), and the New York City Football Club on Wednesday to officially broke ground on Etihad Park, New York’s first professional soccerspecific stadium and Major League Soccer’s first fully-electric stadium across the nation. The stadium will be operational by the 2027 MLS season.
The Pharmacist’s Corner
Presented by Frank Pantina, R.Ph
STAYING HEALTHY DURING THE HOLIDAYS
There's no better advice about maintaining your holiday health than to avoid stress. It impedea your health and interferes with having a great time.
Arguably, it's the hardest time of the year to keep things down to a low roar. Hectic schedules, social events and family gatherings to attend, shopping ventures and decorating.
At a time when you want to be at your best, stress can interfere. Holidays can have psychological consequences for some people and chronic stress can lower immunity and cause excretory, digestive and reproductive systems to stop working properly. Stress also may cause you to eat unhealthy snacks to cope, leading to unwanted weight gain.
Stress is not the only potential health hazard that can arise around the holidays. Parties can expose you to an abundance of foods and drinks you're not used to, and that can lead to a lot of mindless eating. Weight gained now is difficult to shed come January, with colder temperatures challenging many peoples’ motivation to exercise.
Also, social settings put you in close contact with a greater number of people, potentially increasing your exposure to germs.
You can still feel your best during the holidays. Follow these tips for maintain-
ing a healthy mind and body.
• Get the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine can protect you against various strains of the flu. Get a flu shot so you are ready for cold and flu season.
• Carry disinfecting wipes. Germs can linger on surfaces long after an infected person has come and gone. Wipe down surfaces with disinfecting wipes. This can help you avoid coming into contact with germs.
• Balance your activities. Don't over book. Leave days open to relax and do things you want to do.
• Keep up an exercise routine. Early morning is a good time to exercise because you may have to free up other time later in the day for shopping or parties. Exercise also can improve energy levels and relieve stress.
• Don’t focus on food. Focus more on enjoyable activities. Save indulgences for holiday treats and eat sensibly otherwise.
• Talk to someone. If the holidays have you feeling blue, talk to a friend or family member. If you need more professional support, find a social worker or psychologist that can help you work through stress and other feelings.
Until next week...
Bravest Hurt Battling Rego Park Blaze
Three firefighters were hurt Monday morning while dousing a stubborn blaze at a Woodhaven Boulevard restaurant in Rego Park.
The fire erupted around 11 a.m. inside the Taste of Samarkand eatery, which was closed at the time. It took more than 100 firefighters and EMS personnel roughly 70 minutes to bring the inferno under control.
The three smoke-eaters hurt while fighting the fire sustained minor injuries.
Photo Courtesy of FDNY
Courtesy of Metropolitan Park
The Metropolitan Park would be located in what are now parking lots west of Citi Field.
Borough President to Sponsor Fifth Annual College Scholarship Competition
for them to pursue their post-secondary studies.”
All of the scholarship winners will receive monetary awards they can use to cover expenses related to their post-high school studies. Thirteen students won scholarships during last year’s edition of this competition, with each winning student receiving a $1,000 scholarship. Only Queens residents are eligible for the scholarships.
By Forum Staff
For a fifth consecutive year, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. is inviting high-achieving Queens high school seniors interested in pursuing higher education to apply for African American Heritage Scholarships that will
be awarded by the Borough President’s African American Heritage Committee during Black History Month early next year.
“It’s an honor to bring my office’s African American Heritage Scholarship program back for another year, as we help break down financial barriers that can prevent even the most successful students from accessing higher education,” Richards said. “Several of our borough’s outstanding high school seniors will receive valuable scholarships as part of this program, which will help reduce their financial obligations and make it easier
Any high school senior seeking to apply for an African American Heritage Scholarship must submit a completed application form and an official high school transcript by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. Those who win the scholarships will be notified by Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 and will be recognized during Borough President Richards’ Black History Month Celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025.
Students interested in applying for a scholarship can do so by completing the application form at bit.ly/aahcscholarship and by sending their transcripts by email to shuanderson@queensbp.nyc.gov or by fax to (718) 286-3134.
City Expands Paid Internships, Career-Connected Skill Building for High School Students
By Forum Staff
Mayor Eric Adams and City Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos on Monday announced the expansion of FutureReadyNYC, the Adams administration's initiative that aims to set students on a path to economic security through career-connected mentorships.
The expansion brings the program to 36 additional schools, for a total of 135 schools served, and introduces two new career pathways in the professions of heating ventilation and air-conditioning and decarbonization, as well as human and social services. These new sector pathways will give students the opportunity to explore 21st century careers through industry-aligned coursework and work-based learning while expanding these vital opportunities to more students, Adams said.
“Through the expansion of FutureReadyNYC, we are taking bold steps to ensure that every student in New York City has access to the skills, experiences, and mentorship they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce,” said AvilesRamos. “By introducing pathways in HVAC and decarbonization and human and social services, we're not just preparing our students for jobs, we're empowering them to lead in the industries that will
define the future of our city. Together, with Mayor Adams and our incredible partners, we are building a brighter, more equitable future for all New Yorkers.”
Launched in alongside anchor partners, CUNY, State University of New York, Northwell Health, and Google in 2023, FutureReadyNYC offers high school students real world experiences, including career connected instruction, early college credit and credentials, advising, financial literacy, and work-based learn-
ing, including at least one paid experience before students graduate. This expansion is made possible by Mayor Adams' investment of $53 million in programs to support career-readiness through the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, which includes more than $30 million in direct investments in schools, representing one of the largest commitments ever made by the city in preparing students for strong careers.
The newly available HVAC and decarbonization pathway will create a diverse
pipeline of talent that will bolster New York City's larger effort to be a global leader in climate action and sustainability as the city expects to host 230,000 “greeneconomy jobs” by 2030. The course sequences under the HVAC and decarbonization Pathway include construction safety, electrical and mechanical applications, installation and maintenance, and building decarbonization. Acting on Aviles-Ramos’ commitment to promoting a culture of wellness, the human and social services pathway will include courses in human growth and development, counseling and mental health, and advanced placement psychology.
“In a city where 12 percent of young adults are neither in school nor employed, we must open the door to economic opportunity, especially for our Black and Hispanic students,” said Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven), a candidate for City Comptroller. “Our groundbreaking FutureReadyNYC program provides students with valuable vocational education and mentorship, setting them on the path to meaningful careers. Today we build upon the success, expanding the career offerings to include HVAC and decarbonization, and Human and Social Services. We are also adding 15,000 more seats and 35 more schools to the program. Through our work, we will ensure all 287,000 high school students graduate ready to excel in their chosen fields.”
Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
These new sector pathways will give students the opportunity to explore 21st century careers through industryaligned coursework and work-based learning, Mayor Adams said.
Photo Courtesy of BP Richards
Borough President Richards said the scholarships “will help reduce their financial obligations and make it easier for them to pursue their post-secondary studies.”
Photo Courtesy of Masruful Islam Queens College
Jamaica Man to Spend Nearly Four Decades in Prison for Shooting Cop
By Michael V. Cusenza
A Jamaica man was sentenced on Monday to 39 years to life in prison for shooting a rookie City cop following a physical altercation.
Spraggins, 24, was convicted by a jury last month of attempted murder in the first degree, assault in the first degree, aggravated assault of a police officer and assault of a police officer all pertaining to Officer Brett Boller; of attempted assault in the first degree and menacing a police officer pertaining to Boller’s partner Officer Anthony Rock; as well as two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, tampering with physical evidence and assault in the third degree.
He was acquitted of attempted murder of Rock.
According to the charges and trial testimony, on April 5, 2023, at approximately 3:20 p.m., Spraggins was aboard an MTA bus traveling on Jamaica Avenue when he punched a fellow passenger as the bus neared 161st Street. The driver flagged down Rock for help, and Rock retrieved his partner Boller, who was nearby assisting with an illegally parked vehicle. Both officers had recently joined the NYPD and were patrolling the Jamaica business district.
Boller and Rock approached the front door of the bus and attempted to talk to
Investigators located the magazine loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition that Spraggins dropped at the corner of Jamaica Avenue and 161st Street where he was running before the shooting.
Spraggins, who pushed past Boller and ran.
The cops then pursued Spraggins on foot.
At that time, Spraggins turned toward the officers while holding a gun, then turned and kept running away from the officers. Spraggins also dropped a loaded magazine onto Jamaica Avenue.
As they continued running in pursuit, Boller closed the distance and Spraggins turned and shot him at point-blank range.
The bullet pierced Officer Boller’s femoral artery and vein and shattered his hip. Spraggins attempted to fire again at Boller but
there were no bullets left in the gun, as the defendant dropped his magazine earlier in the foot pursuit.
Moments later, Spraggins racked the slide of his gun, took a shooter’s stance and aimed at Rock.
Security camera video footage showed Spraggins at 161st Street and Hillside Avenue getting into a black Nissan, identified as a for-hire Lyft vehicle that took him to a residence on 215th Street.
Spraggins was eventually apprehended in the Bronx.
Boller, who was 22 at the time of the shooting, underwent surgery for his gunshot injuries at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Rock, 21 at the time, was not injured.
Boller was recently promoted to detective.
The case has uncanny similarities to a police-involved shooting last month that left a robbery suspect who was on lifetime parole dead mere feet from where the Boller/Rock incident began.
Police Officer Rich Wong traded gunfire with Gary Worthy, 57, after the man suspected of two armed robberies on Tuesday shot Wong in the thigh. A witness had alerted Wong and his partner Officer Nick Pryor that Worthy had just robbed a nearby smoke shop at gun point. The two cops approached Worthy at Jamaica Avenue and 160th Street.
“They ask him to stop. He does not comply. They wanted him to stay still. He doesn’t comply. Instead, he runs eastbound on Jamaica Avenue away from the officers while producing a firearm. These two officers order him to drop the gun. He does not do so,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny said. “He fires one shot, striking Police Officer Wong in his thigh, through and through injury. Police Officer Wong is forced to return fire. He strikes the suspect one time in his face.”
File Photo
Tips to Avoid ‘Porch Pirate’ Package Theft
By Forum Staff
State Attorney General Tish James on Wednesday issued a consumer alert warning New Yorkers about the rise of package theft and providing tips to protect consumers from porch pirates, or those who steal packages from people’s homes. Package theft increases during the holiday season, and Attorney General James encourages all New Yorkers to take steps to protect their deliveries and report instances of theft to local law enforcement.
James recommends the following tips for New Yorkers to help prevent package
theft :
• Always pick up your mail promptly when delivered. Do not leave it in your mailbox or on your porch overnight. If you are expecting checks, credit cards, or any other financial items, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail if you are unable to do it promptly.
• Sign up for tracking alerts, such as USPS’ Informed Delivery service, which provides email notifications for incoming mail and packages, to know when your package is scheduled to be delivered. When signing up for tracking alerts, verify that the URL you are using is legitimate. Scammers
often solicit potential victims using fraudulent package tracking messages.
• If you cannot be home to receive a package, opt to have it delivered to a secure location like a USPS Smart Locker or use the USPS Hold Mail Service. Letters and packages will be held securely at your local Post Office until you return.
• Use a doorbell camera or video surveillance system to help deter thieves or assist law enforcement in identifying them.
• When mailing something important, consider requesting signature confirmation for the intended recipient or using the Hold for Pickup option, which allows
the recipient to collect the package at their local post office.
“Package and mail theft can be heartbreaking and put New Yorkers’ personal and financial information at risk,” James said. “As package theft spikes during the holiday season, every New Yorker should know how to keep their deliveries and personal information safe from thieves. I urge everyone to remain vigilant, and protect themselves and their mail by following our important tips.”
If you suspect your mail was stolen or see a mail theft happening, contact police immediately and then report it to Postal Inspectors by calling (877) 876-2455.
FBI Cautions Public about Holiday Scams
By Forum Staff
Every year, thousands of people become victims of holiday scams.
Scams include:
• Non-delivery scams, where you pay for goods or services you find online, but you never receive your items
• Non-payment scams, where you ship purchased goods or services, but you never receive payment for them
• Auction fraud, where a product you purchase was misrepresented on an auction site
• Gift card fraud, where a seller asks you to pay with a pre-paid card
According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center’s (IC3) 2023 report, nonpayment and non-delivery scams cost people more than $309 million that year. Credit card fraud accounted for another $173 million in losses.
The IC3 receives a large volume of complaints in the early months of each year, suggesting a correlation with the previous holiday season’s shopping scams.
Whether you’re the buyer or the seller, there are a number of ways you can protect yourself—and your wallet. Remember: If it seems too good to be true, that’s because it is, the bureau warned.
• Don’t click any suspicious links or attachments in emails, on websites, or on
social media. Phishing scams and similar crimes get you to click on links and give up personal information like your name, password, and bank account number. In some cases, you may unknowingly download malware to your device.
• Be especially wary if a company asks you to update your password or account information. Look up the company’s phone number on your own and call the company. Know who you’re buying from or selling to.
• Check each website’s URL to make sure it’s legitimate and secure. A site you’re
buying from should have htt ps in the web address. If it doesn’t, don’t enter your information on that site.
• If you’re purchasing from a company for the first time, do your research and check reviews.
• Verify the legitimacy of a buyer or seller before moving forward with a purchase. If you’re using an online marketplace or auction website, check their feedback rating. Be wary of buyers and sellers with mostly unfavorable feedback ratings or no ratings at all.
• Avoid sellers who act as authorized dealers or factory representatives of popu-
lar items in countries where there would be no such deals.
• Be wary of sellers who post an auction or advertisement as if they reside in the U.S. but then respond to questions by stating they are out of the country on business, family emergency, or similar reasons.
• Avoid buyers who request their purchase be shipped using a certain method to avoid customs or taxes inside another country.
Be careful how you pay.
• Never wire money directly to a seller.
• Avoid paying for items with pre-paid gift cards. In these scams, a seller will ask you to send them a gift card number and PIN. Instead of using that gift card for your payment, the scammer will steal the funds, and you’ll never receive your item.
• Use a credit card when shopping online and check your statement regularly. If you see a suspicious transaction, contact your credit card company to dispute the charge. Monitor the shipping process.
• Always get tracking numbers for items you buy online, so you can make sure they have been shipped and can follow the delivery process.
• Be suspect of any credit card purchases where the address of the cardholder does not match the shipping address when you are selling. Always receive the cardholder’s authorization before shipping any products.
Photo Courtesy of Attorney General James
AG James noted how “package theft spikes during the holiday season.”
Photo Courtesy of USPS
One way of protecting your packages is by utilizing a USPS Smart Locker.
Photo Courtesy of FBI
Borough Woman Indicted for Setting Fire that Killed Two People in Jamaica Garage
By Forum Staff
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz recently announced that Aliya Fakhri has been indicted for deliberately setting a deadly fire in the detached garage of a home in Jamaica killing her boyfriend, 35-year-old Edward Jacobs, and 33-year-old Anastasia Ettienne. Fakhri allegedly set the fire near the entrance of the building, trapping the two inside with no exit.
Fakhri, 43, of Parsons Boulevard, was indicted by a grand jury on four counts of murder in the first degree, four counts of murder in the second degree and one count each of arson in the first degree and arson in the second degree.
According to the charges and investigation, on Nov. 2, Fakhri arrived at the front door of a two-story detached garage behind 172-27 91st Ave. at around 6:20 a.m. and yelled upstairs to 35-year-old victim Edward Jacobs, “You’re all going to die today.” Soon after, a witness who was inside the property came downstairs and discovered that the building was on fire. Ettienne was alerted to the fire and went downstairs briefly. The woman then returned upstairs in an attempt to save Jacobs, who was sleeping. The building became engulfed with flames and neither Jacobs nor Ettienne could escape.
Both Jacobs and Ettienne later died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.
“As alleged in this indictment, this defendant maliciously ended the lives of two people by setting a fire that trapped a man and woman in a raging inferno. The victims tragically died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. Our condolences are with families of Edward Jacobs and Anastasia Ettienne as we prosecute this case.”
If Fakhri is convicted of the top charge, she faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Audit Finds ACS Monitoring of Safety of Kids in Foster Care ‘Generally Adequate’
By Michael V. Cusenza
An audit released on Monday by the City Comptroller’s Office found that the City Administration for Children’s Services’ mechanisms for monitoring the safety of children in foster care during the period reviewed were generally adequate.
The audit found that incidents of neglect and abuse have been trending downward in recent years, from 4 percent of children in foster care with substantiated cases in 2020 to 3.1 percent in 2023, but that many children in foster care still suffer neglect and/or abuse. ACS data shows that between Fiscal Years 2020 and 2023, there were more than 2,000 cases of substantiated neglect and/or abuse involving more than 1,600 children. Over 76 percent of incidents occurred while children were visiting with their birth families, and roughly a quarter occurred while the child was in the physical custody of a foster care family (whether kinship or non-relative) or some other agent employed by a foster care agency.
In some instances, decisions concerning visitation and supervision are not made by ACS or the foster care agencies but by Family Court. The audit found that ACS does not track the aggregate number of incidents that occurred during court-mandated versus non-court-
mandated visitations with birth families, nor does ACS track incidents that occur during supervised versus unsupervised visits. Compiling and monitoring such information would help ACS assess both the extent to which incidents occur during non-court-mandated unsupervised visitations and the effectiveness of the agency’s efforts to reduce their occurrence. ACS should evaluate the effectiveness of decisions that are within its direct control; evaluation could also inform fu-
ture ACS decisions and its recommendations to Family Court.
Although ACS’ monitoring mechanisms were found adequate in most areas of the foster care system, auditors found that ACS did not conduct site visits at the sampled residential care facilities in a timely manner, as called for in its policies. For four sampled providers that had been issued safety and risk alerts, ACS allowed an average of 10 months to elapse between visits—
far exceeding the target timeframe of at least one visit every six months. Foster children in residential care account for less than 10 percent of the foster care population.
“The first job of government is to keep our kids safe. Every single child under the care of the City deserves a nurturing and safe environment. But even one child abused or neglected is one too many, let alone over 1,600,” Comptroller Brad Lander said.
“How did we get here, and how do we keep NYC’s most vulnerable children safe?
“For starters, our auditors found that in some instances, the New York State Family Court made the decisions concerning visitation and supervision – not ACS (or the foster care agencies with whom ACS contracts). That’s why I sent a letter to the NYS Family Court asking them to review our report and work with ACS to prevent instances of neglect and abuse during familial visits.
“We need a solution to address the root cause of abuse and neglect. We recommend that ACS require any parent found to engage in neglect or abuse during a visitation undergo mandatory counseling to address underlying factors that may lead to a child being unsafe. We believe it’s in the best interest of the parent and child to seek counseling.”
Photo Courtesy of Google
The blaze was deliberately set in a detached garage apartment behind this 91st Avenue home.
Photo Courtesy of Google
More than 60 of the City’s Bravest battled the fire and found the two bodies. FDNY officials quickly deemed the incident arson.
Photo Courtesy of Comptroller Lander
“The first job of government is to keep our kids safe,” Comptroller Lander said.
Notice of formation of 130 BEACH 137 LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 2/27/2024. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to:THE LLC, 140 BEACH 137TH STREET, BELLE HARBOR, NY, 11694, USA. PURPOSE: ANY LAWFUL ACTIVITY.
J & K ASTORIA REALTY, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 03/03/00. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o Vasiliki Troianos, P.O. Box 570136, Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
OMNI JADE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/21/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZENBUSINESS INC. 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
RIKA MASON GROUP LLC
Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/27/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: RIKA MASON GROUP LLC
138-12 NORTHERN BLVD APT 3B, FLUSHING, NY, 11354, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
31-59 30TH STREET LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/27/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZAAR FUNDING CORP., 45-11 LITTLE NECK PKWY, LITTLE NECK, NY, 11362, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
Nyngan Holdings LLC, Arts of Org filed with SSNY on 10/19/24. Off. Loc.: Queens County, SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 136-21 Roosevelt Ave Ste 310, Flushing N 11354. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.
JEKKI ASSOCIATES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/23/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZENBUSINESS INC. 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
Legal Notices
CORE88 LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/16/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZENBUSINESS INC. 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
CHESS INTELLIGENCE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/04/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZENBUSINESS INC. 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
GENERATIONAL SOLES, LLC
Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/24/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: THE LLC, 156-15 86TH STREET, HOWARD BEACH, NY, 11414, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
JUST CALL ME KIKI LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/16/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZENBUSINESS INC. 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
OPTIMUS FOOD MANAGEMENT
LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/01/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZENBUSINESS INC. 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
Notice of Formation of C&L Transit Builders, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State: 10/28/24. Office location: Queens County. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: 54-08 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City, NY 11101, principal business address. Purpose: all lawful purposes.
Notice of Formation of 29-10 Thomson Avenue LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State: 7/17/24. Office location: Queens County. Princ. bus. addr.: 31-10 Thomson Ave., Rm. E409E, LI City, NY 11101. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: Cogency Global Inc., 122 E. 42nd St., 18th Fl., NY, NY 10168, regd. agent upon whom process may be served. Purpose: any lawful activity.
LIFE IS A PARTY LLC Arts of Org. filed SSNY 11/20/2024 Queens Co. SSNY design agent for process & shall mail to ZENBUSINESS INC.41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112 ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA Purpose: General Purpose.
SIGNATURE LIMO LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/11//2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZENBUSINESS INC. 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112 ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
ATTUNING DIGITAL LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/16/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: THE LLC, 55 REID AVE, BREEZY POINT, NY, 11697, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
Notice of Formation of Pasos Rosados LLC Article of Organization filed with the NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 09/25/24. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Ming Lou E. Rosado at 169-19 81st Avenue, Jamaica, NY, 11432, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
LEGACY DELIVERY SERVICE LLC Arts of Org. filed SSNY 11/13/2024 Queens Co. SSNY design agent for process & shall mail to ZENBUSINESS INC.41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112 ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA Purpose: General Purpose.
PARKER TAXI LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/07/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Stavros Gounaris, 43-23 35th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.
Hatchio LLC Arts of Org. filed SSNY 09/11/2024 Queens Co. SSNY design agent for process & shall mail to Xiaoyue Hong 4321 161st St, Flushing, NY 11358 General Purpose.
Notice of Formation of LaundryBee Gates LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 11/15/24. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail/email process to: The LLC, 22111 Kingsbury Ave, Oakland Gardens, NY 11364, laundrybeeinc@gmail.com. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.
Notice of Formation of YOUR FAMILY HANDYMAN LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 11/27/24. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail/email process to: ZENBUSINESS INC.41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112 ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA Purpose: General Purpose. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.
Notice of Formation of AZG RENOVATIONS LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 11/07/24. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail/email process to: ANGEL I AZOGUE, 33-41 89TH ST. Apt 2fl, Jackson heights, NY, 11372, USA. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.
Notice of Formation of COLORMETOTS PUBLISHING LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 11/25/24. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail/email process to: ZENBUSINESS INC.41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112 ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA Purpose: General Purpose. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.
Notice of Formation of IT WAS WRITTEN ACQUISITIONS LLC Article of Organization filed with the NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 12/04/24. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to ZENBUSINESS INC.41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112 ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of EVERGREEN QUANT VENTURES LLC Article of Organization filed with the NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 12/03/24. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to ZENBUSINESS INC.41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112 ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Notice of Formation of OD ROYALE LLC Article of Organization filed with the NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 12/02/24. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to ZENBUSINESS INC.41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112 ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
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