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Charges Filed Against Queens Woman for Cruelty to Over 20 Animals

BQE Admin on August 22, 2024

Courtesy ASPCA

Elizabeth Grant, 56, has been indicted on 88 counts, including animal cruelty, after over 20 pets were found in deplorable conditions.

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Elizabeth Grant, 56, has been charged in an 88-count indictment with aggravated cruelty to animals, criminal contempt, and other offenses following the discovery of more than 20 dogs and cats living in deplorable conditions at her Jackson Heights home.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the charges on August 15, detailing the squalid state of the residence, where three cats were found dead.

““Pets are not collectibles. They require care, adequate food and water, and a clean place to live,” Katz said. “Sadly, this defendant is charged with doing little more than accumulating pets and failing to provide the basic sustenance for life. Three animals are dead as a result of this defendant’s alleged negligence and the others suffered from diseases and other ailments.”

According to the indictment, police executed a search warrant at Grant’s home on May 21, 2024. They reported a strong odor of ammonia at the entrance and observed numerous dogs on the first floor, as well as one deceased cat. Upon entry, officers found feces, urine, and flies throughout the residence. The environment was described as severely deteriorated, with stairs in disrepair and a ceiling showing signs of rot.

Stacy Wolf, senior vice president of ASPCA Policy, Response & Engagement, commented on the indictment.

 “The severity of this recurring hoarding situation – which has resulted in the suffering of countless animals and has put a tremendous strain on local resources – shines a light on the complexities and far-reaching effects of animal hoarding and how incredibly challenging it can be to effectively address and prevent,” Wolf said. “These animals – and the rescue teams that helped bring them to safety – were exposed to severely dangerous hazards and deplorable conditions. We thank our partners at the NYPD and the Queen’s District Attorney’s Office for continuing to pursue justice in this case, and we hope to see an end to the ongoing pain this situation has caused for all of those involved over the years – animals and people alike.”

The indictment includes charges of aggravated cruelty to animals, overdriving, torturing or injuring an animal, criminal contempt, and failing to provide proper food and drink to an impounded animal. The criminal contempt charge stems from an alleged violation of a court order barring Grant from owning or controlling any animals through April 30, 2028.

The indictment of Elizabeth Grant underscores the critical responsibilities outlined by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) for responsible pet ownership. The AVMA emphasizes that owning a pet is a privilege that comes with significant duties, including providing lifelong care. This means committing to the well-being of a pet for its entire life, which involves choosing animals that fit one’s lifestyle and avoiding impulsive decisions that could lead to inadequate care.

Grant’s case highlights a failure to meet these fundamental responsibilities. The AVMA stresses that pet ownership requires a substantial investment of both time and money. Grant’s alleged negligence in providing basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care reflects a disregard for these essential commitments. Moreover, the AVMA advises that pets should be kept in a safe and suitable environment. The conditions described in Grant’s home—marked by squalor, lack of clean water, and inadequate shelter—violate these guidelines.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz criticized Grant for failing to provide basic care, violating a court order.

For animals that spend extended periods outside, the AVMA recommends providing habitats that protect their health and safety. In Grant’s case, the lack of proper care and shelter for the animals, combined with the severe environmental degradation in her home, illustrates a breach of these standards. Furthermore, the AVMA underscores the importance of proper identification and registration for pets, adherence to local laws, and managing pet overpopulation through practices such as spaying and neutering.

The indictment also brings attention to the AVMA’s emphasis on regular veterinary care, which includes preventive measures like vaccinations and parasite control. The poor health conditions of the animals rescued from Grant’s home, including severe underweight and untreated medical issues, point to a lack of appropriate veterinary attention. Additionally, the AVMA highlights the need for socialization, training, and environmental considerations to ensure that pets do not negatively impact others.

Justice Toni Cimino arraigned Grant and set a return date for September 27, 2024. If convicted, Grant faces up to two years in prison.

The investigation led by the NYPD’s 115th Precinct resulted in the rescue of 26 dogs and 12 cats. A veterinarian’s examination revealed severe health issues among the animals, including extreme underweight, matted fur, inflamed skin conditions, and eye problems. The animals were taken to the ASPCA’s Animal Recovery Center in Manhattan for immediate care, with many eventually being adopted into new homes.

Assistant District Attorney Justin Bobko is prosecuting the case with oversight from Supervising Assistant District Attorney Nicole Reid and other senior prosecutors.

Criminal complaints and indictments are accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Grant faces up to two years in prison if convicted; the animals have been rescued and are receiving treatment.

Seven Indicted for $300,000 Bitcoin Theft from Queens Resident

BQE Admin on August 22, 2024

 

 

Designed by Freepik
Seven people, including Aaron Peterson Jr. and his parents, have been indicted for stealing and laundering over $300,000 in Bitcoin from a Queens resident.

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Seven individuals have been indicted in connection with the theft of more than $300,000 in Bitcoin from a Queens resident, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on August 9. The indictment, issued by a grand jury, includes charges of grand larceny, money laundering, identity theft, and related offenses following an extensive investigation into a cyberattack on a private cryptocurrency wallet.

The hack, which occurred in November 2022, saw 5.75 bitcoins stolen from the victim’s Blockchain.com wallet. At the time of the theft, the Bitcoin was valued at approximately $92,000, but its current worth exceeds $300,000. The stolen cryptocurrency was allegedly laundered using a method known as a “peel chain,” involving a series of small transactions to obscure the trail.

The Queens District Attorney’s Office, alerted by Assembly Member Clyde Vanel, swiftly launched an investigation. Over the next eight months, the Cyber Crime Unit and Detectives Bureau uncovered more than 250 transactions used to launder the stolen funds through the “peel chain.” This investigation traced the funds to multiple deposit addresses on Cash App and other financial services, leading to their identification and subpoena.

District Attorney Katz praised the work of the Cyber Crimes Unit and Detectives Bureau.

“The individuals allegedly responsible for this operation went through a meticulous series of steps to hide their criminal activity,” Katz said. “My dedicated Cyber Crime and Cryptocurrency Unit and Detectives Bureau worked this case for months to figure out who was behind these transactions and to bring those people to justice. I thank Assembly Member Clyde Vanel for alerting us to this important case and encourage any Queens resident who may have been a victim of cryptocurrency theft to contact our Cyber Crimes team at 718-286-6673 or CyberCrimes@queensda.org.”

She also urged any other potential victims of cryptocurrency theft in Queens to contact her office.

Assembly Member Clyde Vanel expressed support for the District Attorney’s efforts.

“We are encouraged by the efforts of the Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz to protect Queens residents from technology-related fraud,” Vanel said. “We want to help ensure that Queens residents are able to invest, transact and transfer value in a safe manner. Today shows that we will bring justice to those who attempt to defraud Queens residents.”

Among those indicted are alleged mastermind Aaron Peterson Jr., 20, and his parents, Aaron Peterson, 39, and Autumn Clark, 37, all from Sacramento County, California. They were extradited and arraigned Friday on multiple charges including grand larceny in the second degree and money laundering in the second degree. They face potential sentences of 5 to 15 years in prison if convicted on the top count. Co-defendants Dontay Brown, 39, and Ronald Lamar Moland Jr., 22, both from California, are expected to be arraigned at a later date. Two additional defendants remain at large.

According to the indictment, the stolen Bitcoin was moved through a series of transactions to various Cash App accounts. Among the identified accounts, defendant Clark received approximately $22,500 in 18 transactions, Moland received about $22,000 in eight transactions, and Brown received $19,700 in three transactions. Peterson Sr. received approximately $9,500 in 33 transactions. The laundered funds were eventually pooled into an account controlled by Peterson Jr., who used the money for personal luxuries, including a diamond necklace and a Mercedes-Benz.

The investigation, led by Sergeant Linda DenDekker and Detective Investigator Daniel Yi Suh under the supervision of Lieutenant Joseph Falgiano, received critical assistance from FTI Consulting, the California Department of Justice’s Cybercrime Section, and other agencies. The prosecution will be handled by Assistant District Attorneys Elizabeth Speck and Catherine Jahn, among others.

The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

 

Designed by Freepik
The theft, which involved a complex scheme of 250 transactions, was traced through Cash App and other financial services.

Queens Musician and Advocate Sami Abu Shumays Receives Inaugural Taproot Fellowship

BQE Admin on August 22, 2024

Arabic Music Advocate Sami Abu Shumays Named Taproot Fellow

Courtesy Sami Abu Shumays

Sami Abu Shumays, a renowned Arab violinist and Deputy Director at Flushing Town Hall, has been awarded the inaugural Taproot Fellowship.

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Sami Abu Shumays, a prominent musician and advocate for cultural arts, has been awarded the inaugural Taproot Fellowship, an honor recognizing his significant contributions to traditional music and cultural preservation. The $60,000 fellowship includes $50,000 as an unrestricted grant and an additional $10,000 for community-focused initiatives.

Abu Shumays, the deputy director at Flushing Town Hall and a renowned Arab violinist, is one of only 25 fellows selected nationwide and the sole recipient from New York. He is also the only Arab musician among the awardees. The fellowship, part of the Taproot Artists & Community Trust by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts, aims to support and highlight accomplished traditional artists across the U.S.

“I see my fellow Taproot Artists as heroes and warriors for cultural survival and independence, and I am humbled to walk among them,” Abu Shumays said. “They’re carrying specific traditions that many other people don’t know about, or that are dying out. It’s very easy for people to want to assimilate and join the mainstream culture.”

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to a Palestinian father and a European descent mother, Abu Shumays initially pursued a career in Western classical music. His journey took a transformative turn during his senior year at Harvard University when he encountered Arab musician Simon Shaheen. This encounter ignited his passion for Arabic music, leading him to study in Egypt and Syria with noted musicians.

“I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, my father’s Palestinian, my mother’s European descent, so I grew up in a mixed household,” Abu Shumays said. “I went to college. I was originally going to study math and physics, but then I switched to music. It was that experience that got me to recognize the value of oral tradition. Learning music was much like learning language. You learn by speaking, you learn by doing.”

During his time studying in Egypt and Syria, the musician immersed himself deeply in the rich traditions of Arabic music, a transformative experience that shaped his career. From the fall of 2001 to early 2003, he lived in Cairo on a Fulbright Fellowship, where he studied Arabic music under the mentorship of esteemed musicians, including the influential Simon Shaheen.

His studies continued in Aleppo, Syria, where he further delved into the intricacies of the music. This period was pivotal for him, as he transitioned from learning Western classical music through notation to embracing the oral traditions of Arabic music. He came to appreciate the superiority of learning by ear, akin to acquiring a new language, and recognized the profound nuances that oral traditions capture. This experience not only solidified his dedication to becoming an Arabic musician but also highlighted the importance of preserving and teaching music through these age-old methods.

Balancing his administrative role with his passion for Arabic music presents significant challenges, as he cannot pursue his art full-time due to financial constraints.

“Learning informally and laterally from your colleagues, rather than just from teacher-student, is super important,” Abu Shumays said. “The informal aspect of making music, learning through doing, is as important or more important than the formal aspect.”

Since 2005, Abu Shumays has led the Arabic music and dance ensemble Zikrayat and has made significant strides in demystifying Arabic music through his book, Inside Arabic Music (Oxford University Press, 2019), which has become a leading text in English on the subject. He has also developed a teaching methodology that simplifies complex Arabic music scales for students, emphasizing oral learning and imitation.

“Arabic music has these complex microtonal scales,”  Abu Shumays said. “For many years, people have tried to give all these complex mathematical definitions to them. But the way I teach it is just like learning an accent, a particular vowel sound. If you just listen and copy and imitate, you can learn these things in a very simple way.”

In addition to his musical achievements, Abu Shumays is deeply involved in the New York arts community. At Flushing Town Hall, a Smithsonian affiliate, he manages government relations, advocacy, and various administrative functions while supporting a diverse range of cultural programs. His role includes championing arts equity and supporting immigrant artists in Queens.

Balancing his role as Deputy Director at Flushing Town Hall with his passion for Arabic music presents a unique set of challenges, particularly since he cannot pursue music full-time.

As the Deputy Director, he manages critical responsibilities such as government affairs, HR, finance, and board relations, which demand considerable time and focus. Despite this, his dedication to Arabic music remains unwavering. The financial reality of the New York arts scene means he must maintain a day job to support himself, as a career solely in Arabic music is not financially viable for him at this stage.

“I will say that I’m honoring myself for keeping alive my passion for Arabic music, despite the fact that I’ve been able to make a living at it and keeping alive, maintaining my energy to keep getting better at it and keep teaching people, even while having my day job at Flushing Town Hall,” Abu Shumays said.

This balancing act requires time management and a deep personal commitment, as he strives to keep his musical passion alive while contributing significantly to the cultural landscape through his role at Flushing Town Hall. His ability to maintain this dual commitment is a testament to his resilience and enduring love for both his professional and artistic pursuits.

As part of the Taproot Fellowship, Abu Shumays will allocate his community grant to Brooklyn Maqam, an organization he has been involved with since its inception in 2018. The funding will support educational programs and administrative costs, including new classes on oud and percussion and the establishment of an Arabic chorus.

The Taproot Fellowship, awarded to a diverse group of artists and cultural bearers, reflects a broader commitment to sustaining traditional arts and fostering community-based cultural practices across the nation.

His book, Inside Arabic Music, has become a leading text in English on the subject, reflecting his commitment to making Arabic music accessible and understandable.

Italian American Heritage Club Supports Martin Luther School Basketball Program

BQE Admin on August 22, 2024

Italian American Civil Rights League Champions Heritage and Local Support

Courtesy Coach Jon Kablack

From left to right: Isaiah Kablack ’16 (Assistant Head Coach), Jon Kablack (Head Coach), Michael Crispi, Gerard Marrone, and Christopher Gotlieb (Board Members and Founders of the Italian American Civil Rights League), with Damien Peterson and Gavin Hugien (Martin Luther Basketball Starters and Co-Captains) kneeling.

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

In a show of community support, the Italian American Civil Rights League has presented a generous donation to the Martin Luther School basketball team, marking a notable partnership aimed at bolstering local youth sports. The donation, intended to enhance the basketball program’s resources, underscores the club’s commitment to community engagement and support for educational initiatives.

Board Members and Founders of the Italian American Civil Rights League,  Gerard Marrone, Michael Crispi and Christopher Gotlieb spearheaded the partnership with the school.

The Italian American Civil Rights League (IACRL) has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Italian American heritage while addressing contemporary issues of discrimination. Established in 1970, the organization has a long history of advocating for Italian Americans who face unjust stereotypes and biases. Originally founded to counteract negative portrayals, such as organized crime associations, the IACRL continues to address modern challenges faced by Italian Americans.

Gerard Marrone highlighted the League’s ongoing mission to honor Italian traditions and family values while combating anti-Italian discrimination.

“The Italian American Civil Rights League has been around since 1970, and it’s the premier, most nationally known organization that fights and advocates for the rights of Italian Americans who face discrimination,” Marrone said.

 The organization is currently focused on defending Columbus Day, which it views as a symbol of Italian American heritage rather than a historical figure. Marrone emphasized the importance of this holiday to the Italian American community, linking it to the broader narrative of immigrants building and contributing to the nation.

“In today’s day and age, Italian Americans face different types of discrimination and different types of businesses where they need an advocate,” Marrone said. That’s what we’re doing.”

The IACRL donated $2,000 to the Martin Luther School basketball team, a gesture that underscores its commitment to local initiatives. Marrone, who grew up in the area, noted the personal connection to Martin Luther School and the positive impact of supporting local programs.

“I grew up in Ridgewood, and Martin Luther High School has always been a great place in my neighborhood,” Marrone said. “Meeting Coach John and finding a fit to help out was a natural step for us.”

Looking ahead, the IACRL plans to expand its support for community organizations and address broader issues of discrimination. The League will host its first annual membership drive and fundraiser on October 2, aiming to engage more supporters and bolster its efforts. Membership options range from $50 to $1,000, reflecting various levels of involvement and support, to get involved please visit iacrl.org.

“We want to send the message of equality and alliance,” Marrone said. “We align with any group that experiences discrimination and advocate for their causes as well.”

Jon Kablack, the head coach of the Martin Luther School basketball team, expressed his appreciation for the club’s contribution.

“This helps out a lot because the Martin Luther basketball team comes from a very small parochial school, sixth grade through 12th grade, and we only have about 200 kids. That being said, very limited on the budget.” Kablack said.

Martin Luther School, a small parochial institution serving grades 6 through 12, has faced financial constraints that have limited opportunities for its athletes.

The Italian American Heritage Club, newly revitalized to focus on community outreach, is making its first major impact with this donation. The club’s leader, Gerard Marrone, initiated the partnership with Kablack to support local youth and improve their athletic experiences.

Courtesy Coach Jon Kablack

The Italian American Civil Rights League donated $2,000 to the Martin Luther School basketball team, highlighting its commitment to both Italian American heritage and local youth sports.

 Kablack, who is entering his 10th season as a basketball coach and fourth as varsity coach, has been proactive in fundraising to provide his players with opportunities often available only at larger programs. Last year, he arranged for the team to take an overnight trip to his alma mater, covering all costs through his fundraising efforts.

This donation will support continued initiatives such as team travel, new uniforms, and special events, furthering Kablack’s mission to provide his players with meaningful high school basketball experiences. Beyond athletics, Kablack emphasizes the importance of academic achievement, striving to ensure that his players balance their sports commitments with educational success.

“For me as a coach,  I stress on education and how education has to come first,” Kablack said. “When I talk to somebody or somebody inquires about playing basketball, it’s one of the first questions I ask. What’s your grades like? Because it does neither of us any good if you’re failing classes. My big goal , both academically and athletically, is to get the child to the next level, and ultimately, that goal of college.”

The partnership will also feature the Italian American Heritage Club’s name prominently in the team’s promotional materials, including banners and social media, as a gesture of gratitude for their support. The collaboration highlights the club’s renewed focus on contributing positively to the community and supporting youth development.

To make a generous donation and support the Martin Luther School Basketball team, please visit tinyurl.com/MartinLutherTeam.

RISE Light & Power Proposes Funding For Waterfront Project For Ravenswood

Jean Brannum on August 22, 2024

A physical rendering of the new Ravenswood generating station, which will use power generated from an offshore wind farm to power homes across the city.

By Jean Brannum | jbrannum@queensledger.com

RISE Light & Power submitted a proposal to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to fund the waterfront at the Ravenswood Generating Station, which is tied to the Renewable Ravenswood Project.

RISE Light & Power is working on the Renewable Ravenswood Project and the Queensboro Renewable Express, which will transform the fossil fuel energy plants into a wind-powered energy hub. However, this proposal is to revitalize the ports on the waterfront for the necessary vessels to maintain the wind farm and generating station. The port already exists, but the funding will lead to necessary renovations.

Also in the proposal is a joint project with the Oceantic Network, an organization that focuses on using offshore wind power in supply chains. The unique partnership will provide mentorship and business attraction to the Long Island City Industrial Business Zone. Laura Rothrock, President of Long Island City Partnership, said that she looks forward to collaborating with RISE to bring green energy to local businesses.

The Renewable Ravenswood project overall will also employ people who live in the NYCHA complexes around the generating station. The station has been a historical source of pollution and contributed to high asthma rates in the area deemed “asthma alley.” Wil Fisher, director of external affairs at RISE, said that the upcoming wind farm will create union jobs and empower NYCHA residents.

“It’s a value for us to have a big pool of talent right across the street,” Fisher said.

Fisher said that he expects to get a response from NYSERDA by the fourth quarter of this year.

 

Hochul Announces Expansion of Women’s Health in Elmhurst, Paid Pre-Natal Leave

Jean Brannum on August 22, 2024

The State’s investment will increase access to high-quality prenatal and mental health care by expanding the hospital’s Women’s Pavilion to more than double its current size. Courtesy of Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul.

By Jean Brannum | jbrannum@queensledger.com

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Aug 14 that the state will invest $27.7 million into a new women’s pavilion and pediatric intensive care unit at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens.

Hochul’s office said that the expansion addresses the maternal mortality crisis, which disproportionately impacts women and color in New York. Elmhurst, Jackson Heights and Corona have some of the highest birth rates in Queens, Hochul’s team said.

“Elmhurst Hospital is the heartbeat of Northwest Queens and one of New York City’s most critical hubs of high-quality health care,” said Queensborough President Dovovan Richards Jr. “The success of this community is directly linked to the success of the hospital in delivering for the families who seek its care.”

The new Women’s Pavilion will be 35,000 square feet, more than double the size of the current pavilion. The place will offer extended services in the evening hours including high-risk pregnancy services, nutrition services, and prenatal education. The new pavilion will also offer new services such as mental health counseling and care for gynecological cancers.

The Elmhurst Hospital currently does not have a pediatric intensive care unit, which means patients in need have to transfer to another hospital, possibly miles away from families. The new PICU will keep patients closer to their families should they require intensive care. The facility will include equipment with modules for blood circulation monitoring.

“This funding will help us reduce infant and maternal mortality, provide care to women at every life stage, and ensure that we deliver critical care to our smallest patients when they need it most,” said Elmhurst CEO Dr. Helen Arteaga-Landaverde.

Construction and opening timeline will be announced in the coming months, but the Hospital will continue to operate normally. Assemblymember Catalina Cruz said that Elmhurst has always served people regardless of their socioeconomic status, but the new pavilion will bring more necessary care to parents and babies in the area.

“As a proud patient of the Women’s Pavilion at Elmhurst Hospital, I know firsthand the vital role this institution plays in our everyday health care, but particularly for the thousands of uninsured women throughout Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Corona. This investment ensures that more women and children in our community will receive the quality healthcare they deserve.”

In addition to the hospital expansion. Hochul also announced that pregnant employees will be entitled to at least 20 hours of paid parental leave. This allows pregnant people to receive pay for missed work due to medical appointments and other prenatal events. The policy goes into effect on Jan 1.

Hochul also announced an expansion in doula access. Doulas are non-clinical professionals who provide guidance and support for pregnant people and new parents. On March 1, 2024, the state covered doula services under Medicaid. This new standing order will require a recommendation for doula services to receive Medicaid.

 

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