AG Investigating After Suspect Died in Paterson Police Custody

AG Investigating After Suspect Died in Paterson Police Custody

by Press Release October 4, 2021

By: Press Release

Paterson, N.J. – The Attorney General’s Office is investigating the death of a man who was the subject of a police response yesterday in Paterson, N.J. The identity of the decedent is not being released at this time.

At approximately 5:26 p.m. yesterday, Oct. 2, the Paterson Police Department received multiple 911 calls from the 600 block of Madison Avenue Paterson, N.J., regarding a man walking on the roofs and attempting to break into homes. Officers of the Paterson Police Department and medical personnel responded to the area of 620 Madison Ave. and encountered a man who appeared injured at the exterior rear of the residence. Two officers of the Paterson Police Department attempted to aid the injured man. The man was agitated and officers briefly handcuffed him to permit them to secure him and get him onto a stretcher. Medical and police personnel placed the man on the stretcher and he was taken to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased at 6:22 p.m.

This investigation is being conducted pursuant to Attorney General Directive 2019-4, which implements the statutory requirement that the Attorney General’s Office conduct the investigation of any death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer’s official capacity or while the decedent is in custody, and which establishes clear standards and procedures for conducting such investigations.

The investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time.

October 4, 2021 0 comments

North Jersey News Police Blotter

Division of Highway Traffic Safety’s “Design Your Own Destiny” Art Contest to Raise Awareness of Distracted Driving

by Press Release October 4, 2021

By: Press Release

NEW JERSEY – Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (“HTS”) today announced a statewide art contest for adults and teens to promote its ongoing “Take Control of Your Destiny” distracted driving public awareness campaign. Winners will have their art displayed on HTS’s social media channels as part of the campaign.

The “Design Your Own Destiny” contest, which begins today, invites New Jersey residents ages 15 and up to create their own version of the colorful steering wheels showcased in the innovative “Take Control of Your Destiny” campaign that launched in April 2021. The wheels, which depict life milestones like graduation, marriage, and pursuing creative and professional interests, are accompanied by the tagline “You Have Places to Go. Don’t Drive Distracted.”

Since its launch, the campaign’s message has reached millions through print, digital, and radio advertisements.

“The Take Control of Your Destiny campaign has been hugely successful and we’re excited to invite the public to become part of it,” said Acting Attorney General Bruck. “The contest is a creative way to raise awareness of districted driving and engage drivers of all ages in the efforts to prevent fatalities on New Jersey roadways.”

The Department of Education is promoting the campaign in high schools throughout the state to help raise awareness among new and soon-to-be drivers of the dangers of distracted driving.

According to New Jersey State Police statistics, distracted driving was to blame for more than a quarter of the fatal crashes that occurred in New Jersey from 2015 through 2019, claiming the lives of 730 drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. During that same five-year period, more than half of all crashes in the state– both fatal and non-fatal – involved a distracted driver.

“The contest, like the campaign, is aimed at inspiring drivers to stay focused on what lies ahead – literally and figuratively – every time they get behind the wheel,” said Eric Heitmann, Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “Designing their own wheels will help drivers of all ages take stock of what matters most to them and encourage them to avoid risky behaviors– like driving distracted – that can bring a sudden and tragic end to those hopes and dreams.”

HTS will provide contestants with a steering wheel template (downloadable from the contest webpage) to design using crayons, paint, colored pencils, computer generated software, or any other medium they choose.

Deadline for contest submissions is December 1, 2021. There will be two winning steering wheel designs chosen from the following age groups:

Winners will be announced in January 2022, and the winning wheels will be posted on the HTS’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram social media pages, along with the corresponding winner’s name and hometown.

For more information, including a complete list of contest rules and information on how to submit entries, go to www.njsaferoads.com and click on the Design Your Own Destiny contest link.

October 4, 2021 0 comments

Community News New Jersey News North Jersey News Police Blotter

Leader of New Jersey criminal burglary ring indicted

by Press Release October 4, 2021

By: Press Release

TRENTON – Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck today announced the indictment of a man who is charged with leading a criminal ring responsible for numerous residential burglaries across much of New Jersey.

The Division of Criminal Justice Specialized Crimes Bureau obtained a state grand jury indictment yesterday, Sept. 29, charging Keith Perry, 38, of Teaneck, N.J., with the following offenses:

Perry was arrested in April 2021 in a far-reaching investigation in which numerous law enforcement agencies collaborated to investigate 84 burglaries committed from October 2020 through March 2021 in nine counties in New Jersey—Morris, Bergen, Essex, Somerset, Hunterdon, Union, Passaic, Monmouth, and Middlesex—as well as lower New York State. Two ring members who were charged with Perry in April—Porsche Brown, 29, of Lodi, N.J., and Kay Brown, 23, of Paterson, N.J. (no relation to each other)—pleaded guilty on July 13 to third-degree burglary and are awaiting sentencing.

As detailed in the statement of probable cause in the criminal complaints filed in April, the burglaries involved a similar modus operandi and it is suspected that the same burglary ring was involved in each. The perpetrators forced entry through a doorway, usually in the afternoon or early evening, and stole cash, jewelry, and other valuables from the master bedroom and/or other areas of the residence. Well over half a million dollars in cash, jewelry, and other valuables were stolen in total in the 84 burglaries.

Perry is charged specifically in connection with 17 burglaries that occurred in Morris, Bergen, Essex, Somerset, Hunterdon, and Union Counties. In connection with the charge of burglary with a weapon, it is alleged that, during a burglary in Englewood on Dec. 23, 2020, the homeowner confronted Perry, who made a motion inside his sweatshirt as though he had a gun and said, “I’ll shoot you.”

The multi-agency investigation was led by the Division of Criminal Justice, New Jersey State Police, Verona Police Department, New Milford Police Department, and Teaneck Police Department, assisted by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, and the 40 additional municipal police departments listed below.

“Thanks to the collaborative work of dozens of law enforcement agencies, we stopped this prolific burglary ring and its alleged leader,” said Acting Attorney General Bruck. “Day in and day out, law enforcement in New Jersey demonstrates the power of working together cooperatively to solve crimes and keep our residents safe.”

“I commend all of the law enforcement agencies that partnered to stop this brazen burglary ring, which forced entry into homes in the afternoon and early evening, potentially putting residents in danger,” said Director Lyndsay V. Ruotolo of the Division of Criminal Justice. “Instead of local police investigating each burglary in isolation, we had more than 40 law enforcement agencies sharing intelligence and working as a team to eliminate this threat.”

“Every agency involved with this investigation understood that it was paramount that we identify and apprehend the members of this ring, because their willingness to commit these crimes while homeowners were present demonstrated that they were prepared to engage in confrontation, which could easily have escalated into violence,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “This investigation is an example of how the New Jersey law enforcement community can quickly band together and coordinate across multiple jurisdictions to dismantle a dangerous burglary ring.”

“This case highlighted the exceptional partnership shared among law enforcement agencies in New Jersey,” said Chief Christopher Kiernan of the Verona Police Department. “I must applaud Verona Detective TJ Conroy and Detective Lieutenant Timothy Banta who stayed with this case from the day of the Verona burglary in early December 2020, researching an enormous number of cases throughout the state, identifying similarities to Verona’s burglary, and breaking many leads. Their efforts and the teamwork of all of the participating agencies ultimately led to the arrests of individuals responsible for numerous burglaries throughout the state.”

The indictment is posted online at: Perry Indictment

Perry was arrested on April 30, 2021 in North Carolina by the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force on a warrant obtained by the Division of Criminal Justice. He was extradited to New Jersey and is being detained pending trial in the Morris County Correctional Facility.

Deputy Attorney General Matthew Lafargue is prosecuting the case for the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) Specialized Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Jacqueline Smith, Bureau Chief Erik Daab, and DCJ Deputy Director Annmarie Taggart. Detectives Scott Caponi and Sang Han investigated for the Division of Criminal Justice, under the supervision of Deputy Chief of Detectives Robert Stemmer and Chief of Detectives Weldon Powell. DCJ Detective Shawn Gorlin, who is a member of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, led the fugitive investigation.

Detective Sgt. Brian Kearns, Investigator Erica Benedetti, and Investigator Jessica Butt investigated for the New Jersey State Police.

Detective Thomas J Conroy III was lead detective on the case for the Verona Police Department, under the supervision of Lt. Tim Banta.

The investigation by the New Milford Police Department Detective Bureau was supervised and conducted by Lt. Kevin VanSanders, Detective Sgt. Nelson Perez, Detective Derek Mattessich, Detective Brian Carlino, and Officer Adam Conboy.

Detective Gabriel Santiago was lead detective for the Teaneck Detective Bureau.

Acting Attorney General Bruck thanked the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force and all of the participating law enforcement agencies for their invaluable assistance.

In addition to the law enforcement agencies listed above, the following police departments participated in the collaborative investigation: Bedminster Police Department, Berkeley Heights Police Department, Bernardsville Police Department, Boonton Police Department, Bridgewater Police Department, Cedar Grove Police Department, Clarkstown (N.Y.) Police Department, Clinton Township Police Department, Englewood Police Department, Fairview Police Department, Glen Rock Police Department, Hackensack Police Department, Haledon Police Department, Harrington Park Police Department, Holmdel Police Department, Little Falls Police Department, Livingston Police Department, Madison Police Department, Manalapan Police Department, Marlboro Police Department, Milburn Police Department, Monroe Police Department, Montclair Police Department, Montville Police Department, North Caldwell Police Department, North Haledon Police Department, Northvale Police Department, Paramus Police Department, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, Pearl River (N.Y.) Police Department, Randolph Police Department, Tenafly Police Department, Totowa Police Department, Warren Township Police Department, Washington Township Police Department (Bergen County), Watchung Police Department, Wayne Police Department, West Orange Police Department, Woodcliff Lake Police Department, and Wyckoff Police Department.

First-degree charges carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000. Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000, while third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

October 4, 2021 0 comments

New Jersey News Ocean County News Police Blotter

Two seniors found dead in targeted murder at the Jersey Shore

by Charlie Dwyer October 4, 2021

By: Charlie Dwyer

SURF CITY, NJ – Two people have been found dead at a home in Surf City and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office says it’s now investigating the suspicious incident. The Prosecutor’s Office did not give any further details on the incident.

Shore News Network has learned the victims are John Enders, 87, of Surf City and Francoise Pitoy, 75, of Manchester, and that police are now saying the attack was targeted.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Reported:

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Surf City Police Chief John N. Casella, Jr., announced that on October 3, 2021, Officers of the Surf City Police Department discovered two deceased individuals at a residence on North 7th Avenue

The deaths are currently being investigated by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Surf City Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit. “At this point in time, these deaths are considered to be suspicious. More information will be released as it becomes available,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.

This is an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone in possession of information concerning this investigation is urged to contact Detective Lindsay Woodfield of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, extension 3989, or Sgt. Victor Rice of the Surf City Police Department at 609-494-8121

October 4, 2021 0 comments

Florida News

Governor Ron DeSantis Statement on First Lady Casey DeSantis

by Press Release October 4, 2021

By: Press Release

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis released the following statement regarding First Lady Casey DeSantis:

“I am saddened to report that Florida’s esteemed First Lady and my beloved wife has been diagnosed with breast cancer. As the mother of three young children, Casey is the centerpiece of our family and has made an impact on the lives of countless Floridians through her initiatives as First Lady. As she faces the most difficult test of her life, she will have not only have my unwavering support but the support of our entire family, as well as the prayers and well wishes from Floridians across our state. Casey is a true fighter, and she will never, never, never give up.” – Governor Ron

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October 4, 2021 0 comments

Florida News

DeSantis: Dysfunction in Washington D.C. Impacts Transportation Construction Projects in Florida

by Press Release October 4, 2021

By: Press Release

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis called attention to the impacts congressional inaction and dysfunction are beginning to have on all types of transportation projects in Florida. Congress has failed to pass a timely authorization to fund the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), halting federal support for construction on federal highway projects as well as furloughing most of the agency’s employees. Contained in the infrastructure package, which House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has refused to hold a vote on, is $110 billion for roads, bridges and other projects, as Federal authorization expired yesterday.

While Congress continues to fail to do its job, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is not ending work on transportation projects because the Department understands that any undue delay on these projects will directly impact hundreds of thousands of Floridians. However, work that is currently being done on these projects will not receive federal funding or support, and may not be reimbursed – forcing Florida taxpayers to cover for the ineptitude of Washington.

“Yet again, the delays in Washington are impacting the lives of Floridians,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “It is unacceptable that Congress or the Biden Administration would use highway construction as a bargaining chip and leave Florida taxpayers to foot the bill. This is even more proof that the Democrats in leadership don’t want to help people, they don’t want to get anything done, they just want to follow a political agenda.”

“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, we have implemented a robust program that improves transportation throughout the state”, said FDOT Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. “We will continue to develop these highway and transit projects as long as we can – recognizing that this state’s focus on transportation funding has positioned us to be able to do this longer than our peer states.”

Of the estimated nearly 3,000 federal employees being furloughed as a result of Congressional inaction, many work and reside in Florida. Florida currently receives over $2 billion annually from the FHWA program, funding numerous projects currently underway across the state.

October 4, 2021 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

San Gabriel Valley Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Conspiracy to Sell Counterfeit Laptop Computer Batteries

by Press Release October 4, 2021

By: Press Release

LOS ANGELES – A Chinese national who participated in a multimillion-dollar scheme to manufacture, ship and market counterfeit laptop computer batteries and other electronics made in China was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison.

Zoulin “Allen” Cai, 30, of La Puente, was sentenced this morning by United States District Judge John F. Walter, who also ordered the defendant to pay $9,227,543 in restitution and a $25,000 fine.

Cai pleaded guilty on June 29 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

Cai was a member of a conspiracy that imported batteries, labels for batteries in laptop computers, cellphones and other electronics from China to the United States. Cai then sold and shipped the counterfeit batteries to unsuspecting buyers via eBay and Amazon, falsely advertising them as brand name, genuine, original or OEM (original equipment manufacturer) products. Those batteries bore counterfeit trademarks of companies such as Apple, Dell, HP and Toshiba, as well as counterfeit certification marks of UL, a company that tests and certifies the safety of electronic products.

“Counterfeit lithium-ion batteries have significant safety risks,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum filed with the court. “The batteries…distributed by [Cai] frequently lacked internal safeguards, resulting in a significant risk of fire, explosion, and danger to human life and safety.”

Co-conspirators in China packaged counterfeit batteries and electronics and shipped them to the United States, sometimes covering the trademarks with black tape or a similar material, so that a quick inspection of the items by customs officials would not reveal the trademark. The counterfeit batteries were imported, sold, and shipped from Cai-controlled warehouses in La Puente.

When federal authorities executed a search warrant at Cai’s warehouse In December 2019, they discovered approximately 44,000 batteries, as well as approximately 175,000 labels bearing the counterfeit marks of multiple companies.

Judge Walter today found that the loss resulting from Cai’s conduct was more than $9.5 million.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated this matter and was assisted in this investigation by the brand-holding companies.

Assistant United States Attorneys Khaldoun Shobaki of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section and Julia S. Choe of the General Crimes Section prosecuted this case.

October 4, 2021 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Bridgeport Man Admits Participating in Gang-Related Shootings

by Press Release October 4, 2021

By: Press Release

DIOMIE BLACKWELL, also known as “Yamo,” 24, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty today to a racketeering offense stemming from his participation in gang-related shootings, including a shooting in front of a state courthouse in Bridgeport in January 2020.

Today’s announcement was made by Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Acting Police Chief Rebeca Garcia; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; David Sundberg, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder and other acts of violence. Blackwell has been a member of the “Greene Homes Boyz” (“GHB/Hotz”), a gang based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport’s North End, whose members and associates distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana and Percocet pills; committed numerous acts of violence against rival gang members and other individuals, and celebrated their criminal conduct on social media websites such as Facebook and YouTube. GHB/Hotz members and associates also committed acts of intimidation and made threats to deter potential witnesses to their crimes and to protect gang members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities. From approximately 2017 until August 2020, GHB/Hotz members were aligned with members of the “Original North End” (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport, against rival groups in Bridgeport, including the East End, East Side and PT Barnum gangs, as well as 150, which is a geographic gang based on the West Side of Bridgeport.

In pleading guilty, Blackwell admitted that on February 7, 2018, he and an associate shot and attempted to kill “MJ,” a member or associate of the 150 gang. And, on January 27, 2020, he and others attempted to kill members and associates of the East End gang in a brazen afternoon shooting in front of a Bridgeport courthouse. At 12:11 p.m. on that date, Bridgeport Police responded to the area of 172 Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport after a Shot Spotter activation detected approximately 20 shots being fired in front of the state courthouse located there. Upon arrival, investigators discovered that four victims had been shot while sitting inside a black Chevrolet Impala. One victim was shot in the side of his chest and was left paralyzed and a second victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his back, shoulder and wrist. The victims’ vehicle had approximately 23 entry bullet holes in the driver’s side and windshield area.

Blackwell also appears in YouTube videos and in social media posts, where firearms are present, promoting the gang.

Blackwell pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on December 28, 2021, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Blackwell has been detained since August 6, 2020.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by ATF, the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory and the Naugatuck Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Rahul Kale, Peter D. Markle, Karen L. Peck and Stephanie T. Levick.

This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.

PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group.

OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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October 4, 2021 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Four Former Employees of Utility Company Plead Guilty in Bribery and Kickback Scheme

by Press Release October 4, 2021

By: Press Release

Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Patrick McCrann and Richard Zavada, two former employees of a New York-based utility company (the “Company”), pleaded guilty to accepting bribes and kickbacks from the owners of a Long Island-based contractor (the “Contractor”) in exchange for steering lucrative contracts to the Contractor. Last week, Ricardo Garcia and Jevan Seepaul, two other former employees of the Company, also pleaded guilty to accepting bribes and kickbacks from the Contractor. Today’s proceedings took place before United States District Judge Carol Bagley Amon.

Jacquelyn M. Kasulis, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty pleas.

“The defendants have admitted to accepting thousands of dollars in bribes and kickbacks for their own enrichment and to subverting the no-bid process for awarding contracts,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Kasulis. “The Office will remain vigilant in prosecuting criminals who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of taxpayers and consumers.”

As alleged in the criminal information and other court filings, the defendants were managers employed in the facilities department of the Company who steered contracts to certain Long Island-based contractors, including the Contractor, in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes and kickbacks. The Contractor secured more than $50 million in facility maintenance contracts from the Company during the time that the Contractor was paying bribes to the defendants. As managers, the defendants had the authority to approve “no-bid” contracts valued at less than $50,000. The Contractor understood that if it did not pay bribes, the defendants would award the Company’s work to the Contractor’s competitors. In exchange for the bribe payments, the defendants also took various steps to assist the Contractor in obtaining contracts from the Company for which there was a bidding process, including providing it with non-public bidding information, circumventing the Company’s competitive bidding process and offering favorable reviews of the Contractor’s work. The Contractor paid bribes to ensure that the defendants did not slow or stop disbursement of project funds to the Contractor, provide negative performance reviews regarding the Contractor’s work, or otherwise claim that the Contractor’s work did not meet contractual specifications.

The illicit payments to the defendants included cash, the purchase of a recreational vehicle, home improvements, landscaping and an overseas vacation. As part of the investigation, agents recovered approximately $300,000 in cash from a safe deposit box held by Zavada.

When sentenced, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum fine of $500,000, mandatory restitution and forfeiture.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Turner Buford and Artie McConnell are in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendants Who Pleaded Guilty Today:

PATRICK MCCRANN

Age: 57

Selden, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-467 (CBA)

RICHARD ZAVADA

Age: 65

Hicksville, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-468 (CBA)

The Defendants Who Previously Pleaded Guilty:

RICARDO GARCIA

Age: 48

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-460 (CBA)

JEEVAN SEEPAULAge: 36

Rockville Centre, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-469 (CBA)

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October 4, 2021 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

St. Paul Man Indicted for Shipping Heroin into Minnesota Correctional Facility

by Press Release October 4, 2021

By: Press Release

MINNEAPOLIS – A St. Paul man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for attempted distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin, and for illegally possessing firearms as a felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney W. Anders Folk.

According to court documents, on April 12, 2021, Walter Davis, a/k/a “Disney,” 39, attempted to distribute a substance containing heroin by depositing it into the United States mail, addressed to one or more recipients at a Minnesota state correctional facility. On April 16, 2021, Davis also possessed a Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolver, a Rossi .357 Magnum revolver, and over 100 grams of heroin. Davis has multiple prior felony convictions in Ramsey and Hennepin Counties and therefore is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.

Davis is charged with one count of attempted distribution of a controlled substance, one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and two counts of possessing a firearm as a felon.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Minnesota Department of Corrections.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ruth S. Shnider is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

October 4, 2021 0 comments

Department of Justice Press Releases

Lakeland Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Theft Of Public Money And Aggravated Identity Theft

by Press Release October 4, 2021

By: Press Release

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Julio Gonzales (45, Lakeland) to 2 years and 10 months in federal prison for theft of public money and aggravated identity theft. As part of his sentence, the court also ordered Gonzalez to pay $110,102.90 in restitution and, separately, entered a forfeiture money judgment against him in the amount of $28,527, the proceeds of the offense of conviction.

Gonzalez had pleaded guilty on June 22, 2021.

According to court documents, from February 2014 through February 2018, Gonzales stole Social Security benefit payments made by the Social Security Administration on behalf of four individuals. In total, Gonzalez knowingly and willfully stole approximately $110,102 in benefits to which he was not entitled. In addition, Gonzales used the identity of an unsuspecting U.S. citizen to commit Social Security fraud.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler.

Making sure that victims of federal crimes are treated with compassion, fairness and respect.

October 4, 2021 0 comments

Featured News US and World News

Oil Prices Skyrocket To Seven-Year High After OPEC Announces Gradual Output Boost

by The Daily Caller October 4, 2021

By: The Daily Caller

The price of oil surged Monday after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) doubled down on its plans to increase oil output at a gradual rate.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude and Brent crude, the respective U.S. and international oil benchmarks, each increased more than 3% after the OPEC announcement. WTI peaked at $78.37 per barrel, the highest level since 2014, and Brent hit $82 per barrel, its highest price since 2018, on Monday.

The price surge suggested that investors had expected OPEC to announce a greater boost to oil output, according to The Wall Street Journal. The group and its Russian counterpart, which together are known as OPEC+, said overall production would instead be capped at nearly 400,000 barrels per day, in line with previous agreements.

While OPEC has chosen to keep oil production relatively low, U.S. producers have opted to also keep output low, the WSJ reported. Mike Muller, the head of Asia at energy and commodity trading firm Vitol, said this means the “control of pricing is very much in the hands of OPEC+.”

In August, the White House appealed to OPEC, asking it to boost oil production at a higher rate.

“Higher gasoline costs, if left unchecked, risk harming the ongoing global recovery,” National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement. “The price of crude oil has been higher than it was at the end of 2019, before the onset of the pandemic. While OPEC+ recently agreed to production increases, these increases will not fully offset previous production cuts that OPEC+ imposed during the pandemic until well into 2022.”

“At a critical moment in the global recovery, this is simply not enough,” he continued.

But, immediately after taking office, President Joe Biden took steps to curb U.S. oil production including a ban on new oil and gas leases on federal lands and the revocation of the Keystone XL pipeline’s lease. A federal judge granted a request, however, from 12 states to block the leasing ban pending further litigation.

Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected]. Read the full story at the Daily Caller News Foundation

October 4, 2021 0 comments

Featured News US and World News

Parents Concerned Over Sexually Graphic Books Found In Kansas Middle School Class Library

by The Daily Caller October 4, 2021

By: The Daily Caller

A seventh grade teacher in Olathe, Kansas, posted to social media in August that she was excited to add two sexually explicit books to her classroom library, which generated concern among students’ parents.

A teacher at Olathe Public Schools said in a social media post that she planned to include the two sexually graphic books, “All Boys Aren’t Blue” and “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” in her classroom library, according to a recent report from Parents Defending Education (PDE). The book content concerned parents of students at Summit Trail Middle School, who are mostly 11 and 12-years-old.

“Early last week the district was made aware of an inappropriate book for the middle school level that was gifted to one of our middle school teachers by a patron,” Becky Grubaugh, Olathe Public Schools communication and media manager told the Daily Caller News Foundation. “This book is not a part of the district’s approved core reading list for all students and the district has requested that the individual remove it from their optional classroom library.”

Seventh grade teacher’s social media post. Courtesy of Parents Defending Education.

“According to Board of Education policy, all books on the district’s K-12 reading lists must be approved by the Board of Education as they support the Olathe Public Schools curriculum,” the statement added.

In “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” passages describe sexually explicit content such as, “He reached his hand down and pulled out my d**k. He quickly went to giving me h**d. I just sat back and enjoyed it as I could tell he was, too.”

“He didn’t know I was a virgin, and I did my best to act dominant like my favorite [censored] star,” the book continued.

“All Boys Aren’t Blue.” Photo courtesy of Parents Defending Education.

“For the first few minutes, we dry humped and grinded,” another passage read. “I was behind him with my stomach on his back as we kissed … he pulled out some condom and some lube … I had never done it before … I had one point of reference, though, and that was seven-plus years of watching [censored]ography. Although the [censored] was heterosexual, it was enough of a reference point to get the job done.”

One parent, who is running for the local school board, used the example to advocate for the creation of a parents curriculum advisory team, PDE reported. The parent said in a public statement that when she inquired about the book’s appropriateness, the district said to “please see the book has numerous awards and they are listed.”

“This is NOT political, this is our young children being groomed for an over sexualized world. Period,” the parent added.

“All Boys Aren’t Blue” has been purchased by other school libraries and promoted on reading lists and book awards, according to PDE.

October 4, 2021 0 comments

Featured News US and World News

House Republicans Demand Info On Climate Groups’ Ties To China

by The Daily Caller October 4, 2021

By: The Daily Caller

A pair of top House Republicans demanded information from several progressive organizations on their ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Oversight and Investigations Ranking Member Morgan Griffith wrote letters Sunday to four left-wing climate-focused groups with a series of questions. The groups — Sunrise Movement, Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), MoveOn and Earthworks — asked the Biden administration in a July letter to “eschew the dominant antagonistic approach” toward China and work with it on combating climate change.

“We write to you with significant concerns that American progressive advocacy groups may be advancing U.S. government economic and environmental policies to the benefit of the Chinese Communist Party,” Rodgers and Griffith wrote to the groups.

“We are concerned that foreign interests may be influencing your advocacy activities directed toward Congress,” the letters continued. “In light of our jurisdiction over foreign commerce and environmental policy, we seek to understand the relationship between your work and Chinese efforts to influence U.S. policy development.”

The GOP leaders asked the groups if they have received funding from the Chinese government, if an individual or group affiliated with the CCP had asked them to sign the July letter and if they have ever criticized China’s genocide of Uyghur Muslims. They gave the four organizations until Oct. 15 to respond to their inquiries.

Rodgers and Griffith also noted in the letters that the groups have ignored China’s overwhelming contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. In 2018, China was responsible for 28% of the world’s emissions, more than any other country, while the U.S. produced 15% of global emissions, according to data compiled by UCS.

“Shockingly, this letter reads more like CCP propaganda designed to blame and weaken the United States to benefit China’s national and economic security agenda,” the ranking members wrote about the four groups’ request to the Biden administration.

The Sunrise Movement, UCS, MoveOn and Earthworks did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

October 4, 2021 0 comments

Featured News US and World News

California Judge Declines To Temporarily Block School Mask Mandate

by The Daily Caller October 4, 2021

By: The Daily Caller

Elliot Dordick on October 4, 2021

A California judge declined an emergency injunction request from mask-choice advocates to block school mask mandates in K-12 public schools in the state on Thursday morning, CBS 8 reported.

The plaintiffs in the suit, Let Them Breathe and Reopen California Schools, filed their lawsuit against California in July. The groups believe that decisions about whether a child should wear a mask should be left up to parents, and they say the state’s mask requirement is “arbitrary, not based on scientific evidence, harmful to students, and impedes effective education,” according to a joint press release.

The judge also denied California’s request to delay the lawsuit’s next hearing until March, according to the press release. The lawsuit’s preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for Nov. 8.

“We know each day students are suffering behind masks, and parents’ concerns are mounting,” Sharon McKeeman, founder of Let Them Breathe, said in the press release. “However, we are thankful our legal team was able to minimize the State’s delay tactics and that the court set our hearing for November 8 instead of a date in March 2022, as suggested by the State. The State’s position confirms that it cares more about expanding its power than doing what is best for our children.”

The plaintiffs have been compiling evidence that shows school mandates are not necessary, Wendy Patrick, a legal analyst, told CBS 8.

“They have filed a very comprehensive lawsuit that contains some well-founded arguments that they’ve really collected from a lot of different places,” Patrick said. “Which includes the lower infection rates for kids, the importance of socialization at that age, and really a lot of information regarding the other kinds of public venues that kids are not required to wear a mask.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said they were “pleased” that the court agreed with their argument that blocking the universal mask requirement was “unwarranted at this time,” according to CBS 8.

“Our guidance is firmly grounded in science and has been a critical component of our efforts to support the safe return to in-person learning for all students this school year,” Newsom’s office said in a statement. “Recent studies confirm that schools with universal masking requirements are much less likely to experience outbreaks, confirming that masking is a critical strategy to keep students safe and schools open.”

“We remain focused on supporting schools to continue serving their students in person and will continue to defend these common-sense measures to keep students safe,” Newsom’s office added.

Let Them Breathe also launched an initiative called Let Them Choose, which plans to file a lawsuit against San Diego United School District for its student vaccine mandate, CBS 8 San Diego reported

“Let them breathe, let them choose,” said McKeeman. “We are for choice and we are in this to protect our students’ rights. No matter how long or difficult that legal battle may be.”

October 4, 2021 0 comments

US and World News

‘It Was A Game’: ‘Roe’ Baby Says She Will Never Forgive Her Biological Mother For Trying To Use Her For Attention

by The Daily Caller October 4, 2021

By: The Daily Caller

Pro-abortion activists used Norma McCorvey, her troubled past and her unborn baby to send Roe v. Wade all the way to the Supreme Court. That former baby, who was born before the Supreme Court’s final decision, sat down with ABC News in an exclusive interview that will air live Monday evening.

Shelley Lynn Thornton told ABC that she has never forgiven McCorvey and that she never will. The “Roe baby” said that her mother, who passed away in 2017, should have been more “upfront” about wanting to meet Thornton for media attention.

“I can deal with that,” Thornton said. “I can’t deal with lies and treachery and things like that. To me, that’s like no, sorry, not playing that game with you. And that’s all it was. It was a game. It was a game. I was just a pawn, and I wasn’t going to let her do it.”

Thornton never agreed to meet her biological mother in person, and she has “no” regrets about that decision. This lack of regret survives in part because of McCorvey’s comments to the press about sometimes feeling guilty for placing Thornton up for adoption and sometimes wishing she had aborted Thornton.

“It became apparent to me really quickly that the only reason why she wanted to reach out to me and find me was because she wanted to use me for publicity,” Thornton said.

“She didn’t deserve to meet me,” the “Roe baby” added. “She never did anything in her life to get that privilege back. She never expressed genuine feeling for me or genuine remorse for doing the things that she did, saying the things that she did over and over and over again. She wasn’t sorry, about giving me away or anything.”

Thornton spoke with author Joshua Prager for the journalist’s “The Family Roe: An American Story,” published September 14. The book describes Thornton’s adoption, how she came to meet her biological mother through the work of several curious journalists, how she was anonymously written about in tabloids under the name “the Roe baby” for years, how she unwittingly became a symbol for the pro-life movement and more.

Thornton personally shrank away from arguments over abortion, Prager wrote, but when she was faced with the possibility to abort her own child, she chose not to, saying that abortion was “not part of who I was.”

In her interview with ABC, Thornton discussed how National Enquirer reporters arranged a meeting with her and her adopted mother, Ruth, where they sprung on her that she was Norma McCorvey’s daughter and the baby at the heart of Roe v. Wade. The reporters then asked her if she was “pro-choice or pro-life.” Thornton said was shocked and fled the meeting.

“My whole thinking is that, ‘Oh God, everybody’s going to hate me because everyone’s going to blame me for abortion being legal.’ You know, it’s like ‘it’s all my fault,’ is pretty much what I was thinking,” Thornton said. “And that’s really hard to grasp when you’re in that kind of a situation and you’re just kind of like learning all of this stuff.”

October 4, 2021 0 comments

US and World News

Antarctica Just Had Its Coldest Season Ever. Here’s Why

by The Daily Caller October 4, 2021

By: The Daily Caller

The South Pole recorded its coldest season since climate scientists began tracking temperatures on the continent in 1957, The Washington Post reported.

Antarctica’s average temperature over the last six months was minus 78 degrees, or 4.5 degrees below the average recorded over the previous 30 years, The Washington Post reported. The temperatures were recorded between April and September — Antarctica’s winter months — at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. Temperatures even touched minus 100, at times, University of Wisconsin Scientists Matthew Lazzara told the Post.

Scientists pointed to a major polar vortex that swept through the southern continent as the likely cause for low temperatures, the Post reported.

“Basically, the winds in the polar stratosphere have been stronger than normal, which is associated with shifting the jet stream toward the pole,” National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Scientist Amy Butler said, according to the Post. “This keeps the cold air locked up over much of Antarctica.”

A polar vortex is a mass of low pressure and cold air, according to the National Weather Service. Polar vortices occur on both of Earth’s poles during their respective winter months.

Antarctica’s ice loss slowed considerably, too, National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) data showed. Sea ice extent, or the area where there is at least some recorded ice, reached its fifth-highest recorded level in August while the average pace of ice loss on the South Pole dipped to its 10th lowest level.

“The pace of ice loss for the month was much slower than in recent years but still near the average pace for the reference period of 1981 to 2010, leading to the tenth lowest August of the satellite data record,” the NSIDC said in a blog post in September.

Krzysztof Wargan, a research scientist at National Aeronautics and Space Administration, echoed Butler’s view, saying the temperatures recorded on the ground related to the region’s strong polar vortex, the Post reported. University of Colorado Senior Research Scientist Ted Scambos added that polar vortex conditions can change rapidly, meaning high-speed winds could quickly reverse and give way to warming or rapid ice loss.

“One cold winter is interesting but doesn’t change the long term trend, which is warming,” Eric Steig, a professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington, told the Post.

While Antarctica has experienced lower temperatures than expected this year, the rest of the world has warmed, according to climate scientist Zack Labe. In addition, the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report in August, projecting that the world will continue to warm through 2050.

“The alarm bells are deafening, and the evidence is irrefutable: greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel burning and deforestation are choking our planet and putting billions of people at immediate risk,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement. “Global heating is affecting every region on Earth, with many of the changes becoming irreversible.”

October 4, 2021 0 comments

US and World News

Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp All Go Down At Once

by The Daily Caller October 4, 2021

By: The Daily Caller

Platforms owned by Facebook all experienced outages at the same time late Monday morning, and could not be accessed.

Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp all went down Monday morning, according to outage tracking site Downdetector. Facebook was first reported down around 11:15 a.m., with reports peaking around 12 p.m. with over 100,000 reported outages, according to the site.

When users attempted to access Instagram, a message reading “5xx Server Error” appeared. A message reading “Sorry, something went wrong” appeared when users tried to access Facebook.

“We’re aware that some people are having trouble accessing our apps and products,” company spokesman Andy Stone wrote on Twitter Monday around 12 p.m. “We’re working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible, and we apologize for any inconvenience.”

Facebook did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.

Facebook has been the subject of controversy over the past few weeks following an investigation by The Wall Street Journal into documents leaked by a whistleblower showing the company’s inner workings.

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and will be updated.

October 4, 2021 0 comments

Pennsylvania News

11-year-old shot in Philadelphia, now police are searching for suspects

by Press Release October 4, 2021

By: Press Release

On September 30, 2021, at 8:53 PM, 12th District officers responded to 5701 Elmwood Avenue for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, the officers located a complainant with a gunshot wound to his left leg. The officers transported him to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition.

At approximately 9:10 PM, a second shooting victim arrived at CHOP by private auto. An 11-year-old male was sitting in a vehicle parked at 5701 Elmwood Avenue when the shooting occurred. Bullets entered the car and struck the male’s left arm and side area and grazed him in the right knee. He is listed in stable condition.

Surveillance video was recovered from the area and depicts two unknown black males walking east on Elmwood Avenue towards 57th Street. One of the suspects is armed with a brown or tan “AR-style” pistol and a second suspects is armed with a black semi-automatic handgun. When the males reach the corner, they begin firing north on 57th Street towards three males standing outside a Deli. One of the males outside the deli appears to be struck by gunfire. The two males who were shooting fled and were last seen west on Elmwood Avenue while continuing to shoot as they run, striking a black Mazda 6 which was parked in front of the deli with two children in the rear seats.

Suspect Description:

Suspect #1: Black male, light brown complexion, late teens or early twenties, wearing a black face mask, black hooded sweatshirt with blue writing across the chest and a white design on the back, possibly a skull, black pants and white, light blue and navy sneakers.

Suspect #2: Black male, medium complexion, late teens or early twenties, wearing a gray face mask, white head covering or bandana, black hooded sweatshirt, black pants with a white zipper or stripe on the right thigh and black New Balance sneakers.

October 4, 2021 0 comments

Pennsylvania News

Philadelphia police searching for suspect who shot and killed 37-year-old

by Press Release October 4, 2021

By: Press Release

The Philadelphia Police Department Homicide Unit is looking to identify the male suspect, depicted in the following surveillance video excerpts, as part of an ongoing investigation into the shooting death of a 37-year-old male victim on Thursday, May 28th, 2020, in the 5200 block of Wayne Avenue.

The suspect appeared to have waited for the victim to enter his vehicle, at which time he ran up to him and shot him numerous times.

A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction for every homicide.

October 4, 2021 0 comments

Pennsylvania News

40-year-old woman missing in Philadelphia, Have you seen her?

by Press Release October 4, 2021

By: Press Release

The Philadelphia Police Department needs the public’s assistance in locating a 40-year-old Missing Person Natacha Jean. She was last seen on Friday, September 17th, 2021, on the 19XX block of 74 Avenue.

She is 5’7″, 220 lbs., heavy build, medium complexion, black hair and brown eyes. Her clothing description is unknown at this time.

Anyone with any information on Natacha’s whereabouts is asked to please contact Northwest Detectives Division at 215-686-3353 or 911.

October 4, 2021 0 comments

Pennsylvania News Police Blotter

Police searching for suspects who cleared the shelves in broad day light at Philadelphia Ulta

by Press Release October 4, 2021

By: Press Release

On September 2, 2021 at approximately 1:40 PM, the suspects were captured on surveillance video entering the Ulta Beauty Supply located at 1851 S. Columbus Boulevard. The suspects cleared shelves, putting the merchandise into large bags. The suspects then fled without paying.

October 4, 2021 0 comments

MIsc. News

Willow Tree recall chicken due to contamination

by Public Safety Announcement October 4, 2021

By: Public Safety Announcement

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2021 – Willow Tree Poultry Farm, an Attleboro, Mass. establishment, is recalling approximately 52,022 pounds of various chicken salads and dip products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically hard white plastic the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The ready-to-eat (RTE) various chicken salads and dip items were produced on August 10, 2021 through August 13, 2021. The following products are subject to recall:

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. P-8827” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items have been shipped to wholesale and retail locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

The problem was discovered after the company received a consumer complaint and notified FSIS.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution lists will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Walter Cekala, President, Willow Tree Poultry Farm at [email protected]. Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Alex Cekala, General Manager, Willow Tree Poultry Farm at [email protected] or (508) 951-8351.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or live chat via Ask USDA from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Consumers can also browse food safety messages at Ask USDA or send a question via email to [email protected]. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

October 4, 2021 0 comments

MIsc. News

Serenade Foods recalls 60,000 pounds of chicken products that may be contaminated with Salmonella

by Public Safety Announcement October 4, 2021

By: Public Safety Announcement

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2021 – Serenade Foods, a Milford, Ind. establishment, is recalling approximately 59,251 pounds of frozen, raw, breaded and pre-browned stuffed chicken products that may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. FSIS issued a public health alert on June 2, 2021 related to these products.

The frozen, raw, breaded and pre-browned, stuffed chicken items were produced on February 24, 2021 and February 25, 2021. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels]

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P- 2375” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distributors nationwide.

FSIS has been working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health partners to investigate a multistate outbreak of 28 Salmonella Enteritidis illnesses in 8 states, with onset dates ranging from February 21 through June 28, 2021. Unopened intact packages of raw, frozen, breaded chicken stuffed with broccoli and cheese were collected from an ill person’s home and tested positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis. FSIS continues to work with the CDC and state and local public health partners on this investigation.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated product. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment. In some persons, however, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact their health care provider.

The products of concern may appear to be ready-to-eat but are in fact raw and need to be fully cooked according to the manufacturer cooking instructions on the package before consumption. The labels for these products identify cooking instructions for preparation in an oven. The products should not be prepared in the microwave or air fryer. FSIS advises all consumers that particular attention needs to be taken to safely prepare and cook these frozen, raw poultry products to a temperature of 165 F. The only way to confirm raw poultry products are cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature, as indicated in this chart. Additionally, FSIS advises all consumers to keep raw poultry away from other food that will not be cooked. Use one cutting board for raw poultry and a separate one for fresh produce and cooked foods.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Media and consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact the Serenade Foods Hotline at (866) 873-7589.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at (1888-674-6854) or live chat via Ask USDA from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Consumers can also browse food safety messages at Ask USDA or send a question via email to [email protected]. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

October 4, 2021 0 comments

Business News California News Police Blotter

San Jose moves to shut down nuisance Agave Bar & Grill

by Ryan Dickinson October 4, 2021

By: Ryan Dickinson

Since December of 2020, the San José Police Department’s Vice Administrative Unit, has been investigating and monitoring illicit activities at the Agave Sports Bar located at 544 West Alma Avenue. This establishment has been the source of dozens of calls from residents and neighbors reporting various dangerous and illegal incidents. In addition, at the onset of the Covid pandemic, we received calls reporting that the bar was open and violating the stay-at-home orders.

The Vice Administrative Unit and our City Attorney’s Office worked together to close this business for being in violation of Chapter 1.13 of the San José Municipal Code, California Penal Code section 11225, and Civil Codes 3479-3480.

Since the beginning of this year, we have responded to calls involving fights, narcotics violations, and incidents involving weapons. Numerous arrests for drunk driving were also made on patrons leaving the location. Two of the most serious incidents involved a double shooting of two females and one traffic fatality that was caused by a driver engaging in sexual activity in the parking lot. In addition, during the investigation three females were arrested for engaging in prostitution.

Effective October 17, 2021, Agave Bar will cease operations. We want to thank our City Attorney’s Office for working tirelessly to have this nuisance business closed. City Attorney Nora Frimann said, “The purpose of the action was to address the serious safety and quality of life issues caused by this business. Agave’s closure is an appropriate resolution.”

Chief of Police Anthony Mata said, “I want to reassure our community that businesses like this one that engage in illegal and criminal activities will be looked into and investigated. The safety of our entire community is of great importance for this Department. I would like to thank the City Attorney’s Office for their efforts and assistance in ensuring that this business will no longer operate as well as all the Officers who worked long hours to ensure a thorough investigation.”

October 4, 2021 0 comments

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