Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York

2019 Annual Report Many major transportation routes run through the South Bronx and Upper Manhattan, a characteristic that is exploited by drug traf ckers. Photo by Angel Chevrestt. Message from the Special Narcotics Prosecutor

fairness for all, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or religion. Turning to our work in 2019, SNP continued to implement its strategic approach to protecting public safety and preventing overdose deaths in New York City, a regional hub of drug distribution. The cover photo of this report depicts major roadways converging in the South Bronx, a characteristic exploited by drug trafficking groups. As a top priority, we seek to remove bulk quantities of narcotics from the top of the supply chain. We do this, in part, by identifying and investigating high This report focuses on the work of Office level traffickers, as well those engaged in of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor (SNP) violence. This focused approach allows us in 2019, a year that brought continued to have the greatest impact on community attention on two important goals: effectively safety by concentrating on the large scale responding to a deadly and ever evolving distribution of deadly drugs, protecting lives opioid crisis, while simultaneously reducing while simultaneously lowering arrests and arrests and incarceration. But I write incarceration rates. this message in the Spring of 2020, at a SNP couples its investigative work with time when, as a city and as a nation, we comprehensive data analytics that allows it to face unprecedented challenges whose identify trends and suggest new approaches importance cannot be overstated. to mitigate harm. Most recently, SNP Over 17,000 people have lost their lives uncovered links between escalating numbers to COVID-19 in New York City alone and the of overdoses in the region, and suppliers of city is just beginning to reopen. We mourn lethal fentanyl and related substances known for those who have lost their lives and for as fentanyl analogs. This work was detailed their families, and are deeply concerned for in a Special Grand Jury Report. all those who have and continue to endure In 2019, another major focus for the hardship as a result of this virus. office was adapting our practices to meet Simultaneously, people across the U.S. new obligations under criminal justice reforms are participating in mass demonstrations enacted by the New York State Legislature over systemic racism following the police and Governor Andrew Cuomo. I am grateful killing of George Floyd, for which a Minnesota for the opportunity to share constructive officer stands charged with murder. Law input with elected officials as these changes enforcement agencies across the city and the are implemented. Looking back at the past nation are reviewing policies and practices year, I am proud of all that we were able to in light of these events, and my office is no accomplish, and feel honored to lead the exception. We can and must do better by office as we meet the challenges ahead. reaffirming our commitment to justice and iii Contents

About the Office ...... 2 New York City’s District Attorneys ...... 3 Saving Lives ...... 4 Case By Case ...... 5 Trends: Supply Reduction ...... 6 Overdose Death Investigations ...... 7 Drugs and Violence ...... 8 Prescription Drug Investigations ...... 9 Legislative Initiatives ...... 10 Prevention and Education ...... 13

SNP Outreach ...... 14 Community Initiatives ...... 16 Investigation Division ...... 17 Trial Division ...... 19 Investigators Unit ...... 19 Case Highlights ...... 20 Alternative Sentencing Bureau ...... 33 Legal Training Unit ...... 34 NYPD Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Unit ...... 35 Support Services Units ...... 36 The People of SNP ...... 38 Executive & Legal Staff ...... 40 Managerial & Support Staff ...... 41

iv Case Highlights:

Fentanyl and Heroin “Fire” Heroin/Fentanyl Worth $7 Million Seized ...... 20 Over $5 Million Worth of Heroin and Fentanyl Seized: “El Chapo” Brand ...... 20 $5 Million in Fentanyl Hidden in Trap Compartment ...... 21 Major Trafficker Extradited from Dominican Republic ...... 21 Fentanyl Assault on Officer Inside Drug Packaging Mill ...... 22 Pallets of Drugs Shipped from Mexico to U.S. Cities ...... 22 Multi-Drug Packaging Mill Dismantled Near Bronx School ...... 23 Fentanyl Analog Investigations

Fentanyl Analogs Cause Rash of Overdoses in Brooklyn: 14 Charged ...... 23 Major Trafficker Charged: Array of Drugs and Gun Seized ...... 24 Citywide Cocaine Supply Multi-Million Dollar Cocaine Shipment Seized in Hunts Point ...... 25 Major Cocaine Trafficker Indicted: Ordered Shipments Direct from Mexico ...... 25 Large Load of “Pablo Escobar” Branded Narcotics Seized ...... 26 NYC Distribution Networks

“Operation Frostbite” Nets 14 Following Deaths ...... 26 Five Sentenced to Prison; Drug Sales Linked to Overdoses ...... 27 California to New York Supply Chain Disrupted ...... 27 Drug Dealer Targeted Busy Union Square Businesses in Sales ...... 28 Drugs and Violence Drug Stash Worth $4 Million and Six Guns Seized Following Overdoses ...... 28 Family Members Among 10 Face Assault, Weapon and Drug Charges ...... 29 Notorious Bronx Street Market for Drugs Dismantled ...... 29 Speedster Drug Suspect Nearly Ran Down Woman and Dog ...... 30 Prescription Drugs

Queens Doctor Sentenced to 7 Years in Patients’ Deaths ...... 31 Pharmacist Sentenced for Oxycodone Sales and Forged Rxs ...... 31 Doctor Sentenced in Multi-Million Dollar Fraud ...... 32

v About the Office

A local prosecutors’ office with citywide high-level heroin and fentanyl trafficking and jurisdiction, the Office of the Special prescription drug diversion. The office is Narcotics Prosecutor (SNP) is responsible committed to reducing demand for narcotics for felony narcotics investigations and by raising public awareness and facilitating prosecutions in the five boroughs of New treatment for addicted offenders. Working in York City. Founded in 1971, it is the only collaboration with its partners, SNP strives agency of its kind in the United States. to strengthen communities while protecting Created in response to a burgeoning public safety. heroin epidemic and spike in violent crime, The first Special Narcotics Prosecutor, SNP was granted broad authority under Frank Rogers, was appointed in January New York State Judiciary Laws to root 1972. He was succeeded by Hon. Sterling out sophisticated narcotics trafficking Johnson, Jr., who headed SNP for 16 organizations and track offenders across years before becoming a federal judge in traditional jurisdictional boundaries. The the Eastern District of New York. Robert H. Special Narcotics Prosecutor is appointed Silbering was named the Special Narcotics by the city’s five District Attorneys, who also Prosecutor in 1992 and served for six years. assign Assistant District Attorneys to serve On May 1, 1998, Bridget G. Brennan in SNP. Since its inception, SNP has worked was appointed Special Narcotics Prosecutor closely with local, state and federal law by the city’s five District Attorneys. Under her enforcement partners. direction, the office has developed innovative Renowned for its wiretap investigations, strategies to stem the flow of drugs into SNP is a leader in the use of cutting-edge the city and target emerging problems. Ms. electronic technology to identify and pursue Brennan established the Heroin Interdiction members of criminal enterprises from Team (HIT), the Digital Forensic Services international narcotics suppliers to local Unit, the Prescription Drug Investigation organizations linked to violence. In recent Unit (PDIU), the Narcotics Gang Unit years, SNP has applied its expertise to and the Money Laundering and Financial confronting the opioid epidemic by targeting Investigation Unit.

Bridget G. Brennan (left) joined three of the city’s District Attorneys to celebrate expansion of Saturday Night Lights, a youth development program funded by the office of Manhattan DA Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. (right). From left to right: Bridget G. Brennan, Frederick J. Watts, Executive Director, Police Athletic League, Bronx DA Darcel D. Clark, Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez, NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Benjamin B. Tucker and Manhattan DA Cyrus R. Vance, Jr.

2 New York City’s District Attorneys

The five District Attorneys appoint the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, assign Assistant District Attorneys to the office and oversee the office’s work. The only agency of its kind in the nation, SNP is a model of collaboration and effective partnerships. In the midst of the current opioid crisis, the District Attorneys formally reaffirmed their support for SNP in an agreement that recognizes the importance of the office’s leadership in citywide narcotics prosecutions.

The New York County District Attorney’s Office Office of the District Attorney Bronx District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. District Attorney Darcel D. Clark

Queens District The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office Attorney’s Office District Attorney District Attorney Melinda Katz Eric Gonzalez Office of the District Attorney Richmond County District Attorney Michael E. McMahon

3 SAVING LIVES

The Of ce of the Special Narcotics SNP Narcotics Seizures by Drug Type: 2019 Prosecutor (SNP) implements a strategic approach to protecting 673 lbs. public safety and saving lives by preventing overdose deaths, while simultaneously reducing arrests 348 lbs. and incarceration. This approach is 315 lbs. consistent with SNP’s commitment 241 lbs. to promoting fairness and justice. Heroin/Fentanyl The agency’s specialized focus on Heroin Fentanyl Mixtures Cocaine felony narcotics crimes enables it to closely track trends and respond with precision to each new phase of the opioid crisis. Four main areas of focus are: 2019 Fatal Drug Overdoses by Police Precinct ■ Supply reduction

■ Overdose death investigations

■ Drug networks engaged in violence

■ Prescription drug traf cking

Preliminary data from the Of ce of the Chief Medical Examiner for New York City indicates fatal overdoses in 2019  attened and declined slightly, a downward trend that began in 2018. However, the Bronx continues to be disproportionately impacted by high numbers of drug deaths.

2019 Overdoses Preliminary Data 0 ≤12 ≤24 ≤36 ≤48

4 CASE BY CASE

By prosecuting those at the top of the supply chain, SNP has maximal impact while making fewer arrests. SNP investigations target high level drug traffickers who import bulk shipments from supply organizations outside of the U.S., making millions of dollars in profits, and members of drug networks that knowingly sell lethal narcotics linked to overdose deaths or engage in violence. An investigation of two major traffickers and the seizure of $4 million in narcotics in the Bronx illustrates multiple facets of this approach.

Overdoses Lead to Investigation International Source of Supply 5 overdoses in the Bronx Examination of phones and records and Westchester, including reveal direct communications 3 fatal and between 2 non-fatal, one major spark trafficker investigation. and narcotics suppliers in Mexico.

Drugs and Guns Seized Court authorized searches in Morris Millions of Dollars in Profits Park and Elmsford uncovered over Financial ledgers detail receipt 30 pounds of more than of heroin and $2 million between fentanyl, January and 5 handguns September of 2019. and an Over $140,000 assault rifle. cash was seized.

5 Trends Supply Reduction

International Narcotics Traffi cking Routes potent heroin, the synthetic opioid fentanyl and mixtures of the two. Mexican cartels use sophisticated concealment methods to transport shipments in cars and trucks on well-established smuggling routes across the Southwest border. Narcotics also travel by plane, boat and parcel delivery services. Much of the heroin and fentanyl that enters New York City arrives in the Bronx, where numerous transportation thoroughfares converge and provide access to large metropolitan areas. Dozens of packaging “mill” operations across the city each pump out many thousands of individual dose glassine envelopes of heroin and fentanyl. These mixtures are increasingly lethal as evidenced by historically high rates The central mission of SNP is to protect of fatal overdoses. public safety and prevent overdose deaths Cocaine traffi cking also surged in 2019. by removing bulk quantities of dangerous SNP investigations resulted in the seizure of drugs from the highest levels of the supply over 600 pounds of cocaine, representing chain. New York City serves as a regional a 50% increase over 2018. The New York hub for the distribution of narcotics City Department of Health and Mental produced by international traffi cking Hygiene (DOHMH) reported the stimulant is organizations. Shipments fl ow through the increasingly present in drug deaths. city to both local drug networks and those in surrounding states. Working in partnership with the DEA New York Division, the NYPD, the New York State Police and other law enforcement teams, SNP investigations in 2019 resulted in the seizure of over 1,500 pounds of narcotics, including over 900 pounds of

An investigation into narcotics Typical of large scale heroin and fentanyl packaging traffi cking in operations, a “mill” dismantled on Sedgwick Avenue Hunts Point led in the Bronx contained over 750,000 fi lled glassine to the seizure of envelopes stamped with the brand “Fire” and over 150 pounds carrying a street value of over $7 million. of cocaine. 6 Trends continued Overdose Death Investigations

Overdose deaths in New York City remain at epidemic levels 1,487 1,444 1,374 unintentional overdoses 1,400+ homicides traf c fatalities 937

838 796 797 762 769 788 723 722 695 730 673 630 618 593 541 638 649 587 597 596 570 539 496 523 536 515 471 335 352 335 419 333 292 295 319 381 394 387 364 321 324 297 289 278 299 275 260 271 249 259 234 219 231 222 202

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 20162017 2018 2019

SNP and partner agencies investigate led to the indictment of 14 defendants in the overdose deaths in order to identify Bronx and Manhattan. The victim, a 28-year- organizations that supply lethal drugs and old man, died in a diner in January 2018. An prevent further fatalities. An investigation into alleged supplier, Jose Jorge aka “Cataño” is three overdose deaths and two non-fatal accused of knowingly overdoses in the Bronx and Westchester selling lethal drugs. In led law enforcement agents to dismantle a chilling conversations multi-million dollar drug operation in October with an undercover of 2019. Over 30 pounds of heroin and officer, Cataño allegedly fentanyl with a street value of over $4 million, described mixing five handguns, an assault rifle and $170,000 fentanyl with heroin and cash were seized in court authorized declared overdoses are searches in Morris Park in the Bronx and “good for business” Elmsford in Westchester County. Furniture because then everyone was outfitted with hidden compartments wants what he is selling. to conceal narcotics. Nine individuals Also charged is retired were charged, including two charged NYPD officer Edward with Operating as a Major Trafficker. The Wagner, who allegedly investigation revealed direct communications sold the undercover between one manager and suppliers in officer cocaine, heroin, Mexico. Members of the Homeland Security boxes of bullets, a Investigations (HSI) Border Enforcement ballistic vest, a shotgun Security/Taskforce (BEST) recovered ledgers and shotgun shells. detailing the operation’s finances, indicating Wagner’s son, who it received more than $2 million between was also a target of the January 2019 and September 2019. investigation, died of Earlier in 2019, an investigation sparked unknown causes prior by a fatal overdose in the Upper East Side to the arrests. New York Post, March 7, 2019

7 Trends continued Drugs and Violence

A defendant fired shots on a residential street in Brooklyn as a rival attempted to escape in a silver sedan.

SNP strives to protect New York City In a recent case, two overdoses, one neighborhoods from the destabilizing effects of which was fatal, led to the arrest of 10 of drug-related violence by investigating a members of a Brooklyn criminal organization wide variety of organizations, from street engaged in gun violence. A total of 12 guns gang affiliates to entrenched narcotics were seized during the investigation by the distribution groups. In partnership with NYPD’s Narcotics Borough Brooklyn North. the NYPD and the DEA, we identify The group was also charged in connection and prosecute members of violent drug with sales of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine to distribution networks that endanger our an undercover officer. communities. Among the defendants charged were multiple members of the same family, the Watsons. Video from a security camera captured one of the Watson brothers with a large silver gun drawn and engaged in a shootout in broad daylight. The Watsons used a vehicle to block the flow of traffic on a narrow residential street in an attempt to corner a rival. A total of 20 shots were fired as pedestrians sought cover. Two days after this incident, police received another report of shots being fired. The same individual previously captured on video with the gun during the broad daylight shootout was observed driving away from the scene. Police later found him at a stash Narcotics and location and acquired a search warrant. They 12 guns were recovered four guns, cocaine, and various seized from a trafficking group drug paraphernalia at the location. A total of implicated in 12 guns were seized during the investigation. broad daylight shootouts.

8 Trends continued Prescription Drug Investigations

Oxycodone Rxs Filled by NYC Residents: 2007–2019

537,160 729,974 897,964 1,059,799 1,201,227 1,279,655 1,270,162 1,279,602 1,334,431 1,284,008 1,187,976 1,063,172 980,141

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Since its creation in 2011, SNP’s Prescription guilty to charges of manslaughter, reckless Drug Investigation Unit (PDIU) has targeted endangerment and illegal prescription sales large scale pill mills, pharmaceutical drug related to three patients’ deaths. Choy traf cking rings and corrupt medical prescribed opioid medication and other practitioners who sell prescriptions for addictive pharmaceutical drugs in large highly addictive pills in exchange for cash. amounts and lethal combinations for no As a result of these efforts, combined with legitimate medical purpose. The activity improved education for doctors, increased continued even when patients demonstrated public awareness and more effective clear signs of addiction. regulatory systems, the black market supply of diverted prescription drugs in New York G THE B IN EN V C R H E S

A City has been reduced. N 8 D 8 B 18 AR CE WWW. NYLJ.COM SIN Signi cantly, the of ce has obtained the NOVEMBER 26, 2019 convictions of two doctors on manslaughter NY High Court Rules Doctors Can Face charges in connection with separate Homicide Charges Over Drug Overdose Deaths investigations involving patients’ deaths. In The decision, which was nearly unanimous, means the manslaughter conviction of Dr. Stan XuHui Li of November of 2019, the New York Court of Queens over the deaths of two of his patients will be allowed to stand. Appeals broke new legal ground as it af rmed By Dan M. Clark he New York Court of Appeals has ruled that doctors can the manslaughter conviction of Dr. Stan Xuhui face homicide charges, in certain instances, if the drugs they prescribe are used by Li, who was sentence to 10 years in prison oneT of their patients during a fatal overdose on the medication. It is the following a jury trial in 2014. The court ruled rst New York high court decision to rely on the legal theory in a homicide case. that doctors can face homicide charges, in The decision, which was nearly unanimous, means the manslaugh- ter conviction of Dr. Stan XuHui Li of certain instances, if the drugs they prescribe Queens over the deaths of two of his patients will be allowed to stand. are involved in the fatal overdose of a patient. Associate Justice Eugene Fahey wrote for the majority that, given the facts of the case, a jury was correct Video_Creative/Shutterstock.com Photo: It was the rst New York high court decision in finding Li guilty on the charges of business by prescribing a dispropor- In the decision Tuesday, the Court manslaughter in 2014 after two of his tionate amount of addictive drugs. of Appeals laid out the facts of the to rely on the legal theory in a homicide case. patients, Joseph Haeg and Nicholas Special Narcotics Prosecutor case brought by prosecutors, who Rappold, died of opioid overdoses. Bridget Brennan said the decision portrayed Li’s practice as one “We conclude that a rational jury Tuesday was nine years in the mak- inuenced by pro t, rather than Also in 2019, Dr. Lawrence Choy, a could have found that defendant ing, from their investigation into Li to treatment. was aware of and consciously dis- his trial and the resulting appeals. His of ce, in Flushing, was only regarded a substantial and unjus- “Today’s Court of Appeals decision open one day a week, on the week- physician for over 35 years, was sentenced ti able risk that his prescription makes clear that those who recklessly end, and didn’t require appoint- practices would result in the deaths cause a death can be held criminally ments to be seen. Prosecutors said to seven years in prison after pleading Newof HaegYork and Law Rappold,” Journal Fahey wrote. November,responsible, even 2019 if their conduct is he saw as many as 90 patients in a Li was accused by prosecutors disguised as a medical practice,” Bren- single day and charged a base fee of from the New York City Of ce of the nan said. “We hope this brings a sense $100 per visit. Payments were only Special Narcotics Prosecutor of run- of justice and closure to the patients allowed in cash. ning what’s known as a “pill mill,” and families who suffered as a result When patients showed up seek- 9 an of ce where the physician drives of Dr. Stan XuHui Li’s conduct.” ing a prescription for a controlled Legislative Initiatives

overdoses resulting from a non-prescription opioid. Yet regulation has been piecemeal and only select fentanyl analogs are regulated in New York State. The report recommended that the New York State Legislature prohibit all forms of fentanyl analogs and allocate additional funding for police labs, of ces of medical examiners, and for treatment to assist substance users whose risk of death may increase with analog exposure. After SNP and the city’s ve District Attorneys spotlighted the Special Grand Bridget G. Brennan announced a Special Grand Jury Report on fentanyl Jury report, 13 additional fentanyl-related analogs with the NYPD at One Police Plaza. substances were added to New York State’s list of controlled substances. While legislators An inux of fentanyl analogs is the latest stopped short of banning all fentanyl analogs, wave in the opioid epidemic. An analog is a progress was made and Gov. Andrew slight variation of fentanyl which may have Cuomo continues to show committed the same or greater effect on the body. In leadership in this area. July of 2019, SNP released a New York Also in 2019, Bridget G. Brennan State Special Grand Jury report detailing the traveled to the nation’s Capitol at the deadly toll of these highly potent variations invitation of Congressman Max Rose and of fentanyl. The Grand Jury heard evidence a bipartisan Congressional subcommittee regarding lack of regulation of these for a hearing examining the homeland substances and the overdoses and deaths security implications of the opioid crisis. In associated with them. her testimony, Ms. Brennan urged Congress In 2019, fentanyl analogs were present to permanently ban all fentanyl analogs, in approximately 40% of all New York City emphasizing that states are reliant upon the federal government to effectively control dangerous substances originating from Proportion Of Fentanyl & Fentanyl Analogs In foreign sources. As discussed at the hearing, NYC Overdose Deaths fentanyl analogs are produced from precursor In 2019, 64% of overdose deaths involved fentanyl and/ chemicals originating largely in China. Foreign or fentanyl analogs laboratories need only tweak the chemical composition to create new analogs and evade enforcement. Currently, the federal Fentanyl Analog government has a temporary ban on fentanyl Related analogs. Fentanyl Other ODS 20% Related 36% More than a dozen different analogs ODS Other ODS have been identi ed in New York City. Readily 64% 80% available through the Dark Web, these substances are typically shipped in small packages via international parcel delivery services and the U.S. Mail, passing through

10 to intercept and identify unregulated compounds. Prosecutors are unable to obtain search warrants or make arrests in cases, even when deaths have resulted, unless controlled substances are also involved. A complex investigation by SNP began after a rash of overdoses were linked to A Congressional subcommittee heard testimony fentanyl analogs in South Brooklyn and from Bridget G. Brennan at a hearing examining the Staten Island. The wiretap investigation homeland security implications of the opioid epidemic. resulted in the arrest and indictment of John F. Kennedy International Airport and 14 individuals associated with two drug other busy transshipment points. Fentanyl distribution organizations. Sales involved analogs are occasionally seized alongside cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and fentanyl bulk quantities of fentanyl and heroin in analogs, many of which were unregulated shipments from Mexico. in New York State, creating significant Low level narcotics organizations sell impediments for the prosecution. The analogs mixed with fentanyl, heroin and other two drug rings obtained narcotics from a substances. Analogs can be highly pure and common source of supply, who was living in therefore lethal in low concentrations. It is Virginia at the time of her arrest and allegedly difficult for local law enforcement agencies traveled to Brooklyn to deliver narcotics.

Fentanyl Analog Overdoses by Precinct: 2017

11 Criminal Justice Reform in criminal court, with few exceptions. Additionally, the new law connected the As part of the New York State budget defendant’s right to discovery with his or her passed in April 2019, lawmakers in Albany right to a speedy trial. passed sweeping criminal justice reforms Lawmakers revisited these reforms with the laudable goal of making the criminal when they crafted the state budget in justice system more equitable and reducing April 2020. While their original intentions incarceration. The reforms dramatically were praiseworthy, certain unintended changed State practices in the areas of bail, consequences led to criticism from the discovery and the defendant’s right to a general public and prosecutors statewide. speedy trial. Prior to the 2019 reforms, State While keeping in place the spirit and vast judges had discretion to set bail or remand majority of the substance of the prior year’s a criminal defendant on any criminal charge. reforms, the legislature made important With the passing of the 2019 reforms, judges revisions. Notably, the legislature added more were required to release defendants charged felony charges to the list of bail and remand with most crimes without setting bail. The eligible offenses. Because prosecutors’ exceptions were for defendants charged new deadlines for complying with discovery with felonies classifi ed as “violent” by the obligations proved largely unrealistic, the State penal law, as well as a handful of timeline was slightly lengthened with special “non-violent” sex crimes, domestic violence consideration given defendants incarcerated offenses and one top narcotics charge. pre-trial. Even with the legislature’s most Discovery, which historically had been the recent revisions to the reforms, the laws right of a defendant to view evidence in constitute remarkable changes to the preparation for trial, was transformed into a Criminal Procedure Law in New York. right granted within 15 days of arraignment

Staten Island DA Michael E. McMahon held a press conference with U.S. Wall Street Journal, November 17, 2019 Congressman Max Rose and Bridget G. Brennan to discuss fentanyl legislation and criminal justice reforms.

12 Prevention and Education

SNP seeks not only to diminish the supply Meanwhile, a graduate student from and distribution of narcotics through Teachers College is pursuing an independent prosecution of high-level traffickers, but to study involving the use of effective drug save the lives of New York City residents by education resources as a basis for an educating the public about the dangers of Opioid Crisis Prevention Education rubric street level narcotics. for teachers. This rubric is designed to aid Over the past four years, SNP has teachers in assessing the effectiveness enlisted Staten Island District Attorney of education materials on the topic of the Michael E. McMahon and Bronx District opioid epidemic with the goal of supporting Attorney Darcel D. Clark as co-clients for students in making informed decisions. graduate student researchers from Columbia Over the summer a team of city University examining the opioid epidemic educators collaborated with SNP to create a in New York City. Working closely with the bank of over 60 lessons for multiple courses client organizations, the capstone teams and grade levels to educate youth about have produced independent reports and the opioid epidemic and growing issue of recommendations for improved access substance abuse. Enabling students to make to treatment services, substance abuse informed decisions while creating their own education and prevention initiatives. solutions is one of the best ways to combat In the Spring of 2019, students from this crisis. Columbia’s School of International Public Affairs (SIPA) created a report entitled “Combating the Opioid Epidemic through Effective Messaging and Prevention Strategies.” The capstone team focused on the enhancement of opioid education for students in grades 6–12 and prevention strategies that could be incorporated into the city’s educational system. They examined mental health education in tandem with opioid awareness. This messaging and prevention education work is being carried forward on two tracks in 2020. A new SIPA team is involved in creating a small advertising campaign targeting teens to promote healthy lifestyle choices with an emphasis on substance abuse education and prevention. This campaign will effectively use social media and partnerships to reach Student researchers at Columbia University young teens. The group will also provide produced an independent report with recommendations on how to combat the opioid guidelines to grow the campaign into a crisis through messaging and prevention education. widescale popular platform in order to spread awareness.

13 SNP Outreach

Sharing Expertise with Local and International Partners

The French-American Foundation invited Bridget G. Brennan A delegation of narcotics investigators from to be guest speaker on the topic of the U.S. Opioid Epidemic. the Republic of Korea Prosecution Service met with SNP staff to discuss narcotics enforcement strategies.

Bridget G. Brennan attended a PSA 5 Fellowship Luncheon at the Tiano Towers Crystal Room located in East Harlem.

Bridget G. Brennan served as a panelist at a community forum on the opioid crisis in Northern Manhattan.

14 Professional Recognition

Bridget G. Brennan, pictured here with former Acting Queens District Attorney John M. Ryan, received the Outstanding Prosecutor Award from Andres Torres, Senior Supervising Attorney, SNP’s Special the New York State Bar Association in recognition Investigations Bureau, (far right) was congratulated by of contributions to the advancement of the fair and colleagues upon receiving the Thomas E. Dewey Medal from ethical administration of criminal justice. the New York City Bar Association.

Assistant District Attorneys Clark S. Abrams and Odyssey House presented Bridget G. Brennan with a Public Marcel J. Philippe received the Homeland Security Service Award at a Mother’s Day Awards Breakfast held at the Investigations (HSI) New York NYS Prosecutor of George Rosenfeld Center for Recovery on Wards Island. the Year Award in recognition of their numerous successful collaborations with HSI and the El Dorado Task Force.

Federal Drug Agents Foundation (FDAF) honored Assistant District Attorneys Tess Cohen and Kristin Bailey along with members of the DEA’s Long Island District Office – Tactical Diversion Squad (LIDO-TDS).

15 Community Initiatives

Bridget G. Brennan attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for a PAL Summer Playstreet on West 123rd Street sponsored by SNP and the Manhattan DA’s Office.

In partnership with the city’s five District G. Brennan served as a panelist at “The Attorneys, SNP seeks to leave a positive Opioid Crisis in Northern Manhattan: A imprint on communities touched by our major Community Forum” organized by Senator drug enforcement operations by investing Robert Jackson in partnership with the in the development of the neighborhood Fort Washington Collegiate Church, the youth. SNP partners with the city’s District Washington Heights CORNER Project Attorneys, the Police Athletic Leagues (PAL) and VOCAL-NY in October of 2019. The and the New York City Police Department event featured a discussion of efforts to (NYPD) each year. address the opioid epidemic, which has During the summer of 2019, SNP had devastating effect on families and partnered with the Manhattan District neighborhoods. Attorney’s Office, the NYPD and PAL to sponsor a West 123rd Street PAL Playstreet to provide safe and enjoyable recreational activities for local youth. This endeavor followed a long-term investigation into persistent drug trafficking in the area. The investigation was sparked by numerous community complaints. Drug sellers congregated in groups, impeding the ability of passersby, including school children, to safely use the block. Police arrested 11 individuals for over 50 sales of crack cocaine and heroin to undercover officers. SNP is committed to educating communities across New York City about SNP Community Affairs Director Calvin Solomon the opioid epidemic in an effort to prevent (left) attended the PAL Summer Playstreet Opening in Harlem. substance abuse and overdose. Bridget

16 Investigation Division

In 2019, SIB launched 91 investigations 2019 SNP WIRETAP ACTIVITY targeting a wide range of criminal activity Amendment 18 including drug trafficking, murder conspiracy, Extension 107 robberies, weapons trafficking and money Original 102 laundering. The bureau also commenced TOTAL 227 civil actions to forfeit narcotics proceeds. INSTRUMENT TYPES Senior staff supervised wiretap investigations involving 227 eavesdropping applications, Cellphone 227 including 102 originals, 107 extensions and Chat Accounts 0 18 amendments. Investigation Division cases BBM 0 resulted in the seizure of approximately 275 Other 0 pounds of heroin, 251 pounds of fentanyl, TOTAL 227 225 pounds of heroin/fentanyl mixtures, INVESTIGATION ACTIVITY 606 pounds of cocaine, 45 pounds of methamphetamine and additional quantities Trial Division 183 of various other drugs. Special Invest. Bureau 91 Prescription Drug 21 Heroin Interdiction Team Narcotics Gang 2 The resurgence of heroin throughout New Money Laundering/ 2 York State drove SNP to create the Heroin Financial Crime Interdiction Team (HIT) in late 2014. HIT is Executive 0 tasked with combating the flow of heroin TOTAL 299 to the area surrounding New York City, particularly upstate counties. Working with a dedicated team of New York State Police Special Investigations Bureau troopers, DEA agents, NYPD officers and The Special Investigations Bureau (SIB) other law enforcement officials, HIT focuses targets major narcotics trafficking organiza- on cooperating with local prosecutors and tions, including those that import and law enforcement to share intelligence and distribute multi-kilogram quantities of resources to take down the organizations heroin, fentanyl and cocaine. The activities responsible for spreading heroin from the of the criminal enterprises extend beyond mills in New York City to New York State as county, state and international borders. a whole. SIB prosecutors work with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Prescription Drug New York City Police Department (NYPD), Investigation Unit the New York State Police, the New York Alarming rates of prescription drug abuse Drug Enforcement Task Force (NYDETF), and related crime led SNP to form the the New York Organized Crime Drug Prescription Drug Investigation Unit in Enforcement Strike Force, U.S. Immigration 2011. The unit is designed to combat and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland the proliferation of prescription narcotics Security Investigations (HSI), and other local, on the black market by investigating and state, federal, and foreign law enforcement prosecuting the criminal distribution of agencies. these drugs. Prosecutions target a range of

17 Investigation Division continued

subjects, from members of street level drug Money Laundering and Financial organizations to doctors and pharmacists Investigations Unit engaged in the criminal sale of prescriptions The Money Laundering and Financial or pills. The unit also conducts investigations Investigations Unit was initiated in 2001, and into doctors whose opioid prescriptions reconfigured in 2005 and 2008. It investigates cause patient overdoses, bringing homicide narcotics-related money laundering and other charges where appropriate. Armed robberies financial criminal activity. Cases are generated of pharmacies, shootings, home invasions from multiple sources, including intelligence and other violent crimes are also associated developed during narcotics investigations. with prescription drug diversion. The unit The unit aims to prevent foreign drug works closely with the New York State trafficking organizations from repatriating drug Health Department’s Bureau of Narcotic proceeds through smuggling, as well as the Enforcement, the NYPD and the DEA, use of the financial system and international among other law enforcement agencies. trade, and local drug organizations from benefiting from illicit profits. Narcotics Gang Unit The Narcotics Gang Unit concentrates on Forfeiture Investigations violent neighborhood gangs, robbery crews Established more than 25 years ago, the and weapons traffickers committing drug- Forfeiture Investigations Unit evaluates felony related criminal activity across the city. The drug prosecutions for potential civil litigation unit, established in 2002, works closely with to recover proceeds of narcotics crimes. detectives from the NYPD’s Gun Violence The unit works closely with law enforcement Suppression Division, Narcotics and Gang on the federal, state and local levels to Squads, and Precinct members. The unit identify criminal assets and deprive narcotics has developed expertise in the use of traffickers and money-laundering groups of new technologies and collecting evidence the profits of criminality. The unit has in place through social media and messaging a comprehensive set of systems to track applications. In addition to narcotics office participation in investigations resulting trafficking, the unit also prosecutes murder in forfeiture actions. In 2019, 150 federal and murder conspiracy, assault, armed forfeiture actions were initiated and 155 were robbery, kidnapping, burglary, weapons completed. At the state level, 288 actions possession and illegal firearms sales. were initiated and 152 were completed.

18 Trial Division 2019 SNP WORKLOAD Arrests 1,080 Trial Division Assistant District Attorneys handle the bulk of the Indictments/SCI 896 drug felony arrests referred to the office for prosecution. They Trials 30 are assigned to one of the two bureaus that comprise the Trial FELONY DISPOSITIONS Division. Each bureau is headed by a Chief and Deputy Chiefs who supervise assistants as they provide legal advice and Convicted 1,101 draw up court orders, including search and arrest warrants, on Acquitted 6 a 24-hour basis. Dismissed 128 Assistants work closely with the NYPD’s Narcotics Treatment Dismissals 45 Division, the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Port FELONY SENTENCES Authority Police, the New York State Police, the New York State Prison 473 State Health Department’s Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement City Jail 126 and the SNP Investigators Unit. In 2019, the Division launched Probation 199 183 new investigations. A total of 1,080 complaints were referred to the office for prosecution during the year; 896 City Jail & Probation 18 defendants were prosecuted by indictment or Supreme SEIZURES Court information (SCI). Total SNP search warrants drafted Cocaine 673 lbs. numbered 1,282. Heroin 348 lbs. Fentanyl 315 lbs. Heroin/Fentanyl Mixtures 241 lbs. Methamphetamine 57 lbs. Marijuana 914 lbs. Guns Seized 50

Investigators Unit

SNP’s Investigators Unit handles narcotics Investigator oversees the activities of the cases targeting local, national and investigators and monitors all investigation international trafficking groups, as well as related expenditures. trafficking over the Internet. Teams within The unit initiates cases independently the unit have expertise in identifying and and works jointly with federal, state and dismantling major heroin and fentanyl local law enforcement agencies throughout distribution networks, prescription drug New York City and across the nation. During diversion organizations and pill mills run by 2019, the unit opened 45 new investigations, corrupt medical practitioners. Investigators resulting in 150 arrests. Of those, 119 provide crucial leadership in collaborative individuals were charged with top felony efforts with law enforcement partners. narcotics counts. Investigations by the unit Created in 1992, the unit fulfills two and its partners yielded seizures of hundreds primary areas of responsibility: investigations of pounds of narcotics and millions of dollars and enforcement support. A Chief in drug trafficking proceeds.

19 Case Highlights

Fentanyl and Heroin of glassine envelopes covered two table tops and overflowed from plastic bins and cardboard boxes on the floor and a bed. Equipment and paraphernalia typical of a heroin/fentanyl mill were present in the room, including a glass table, desk lamps, a scale, grinders, empty glassine envelopes, small spoons, an ink bottle, ink pads and stamps.

Over $5 Million Worth of Heroin and Fentanyl Seized: “El Chapo” Brand

Over 750,000 “Fire” stamped glassines with heroin/fentanyl mixtures were found in the Bronx packaging mill.

“Fire” Heroin/Fentanyl Worth Three kilograms of heroin packages and 250,000 $7 Million Seized glassines were branded with various stamps such as “El Chapo” and “Exit 4”. A long term investigation into heroin and fentanyl trafficking led to six arrests at a high Approximately $5 million in heroin and volume heroin/fentanyl packaging mill in the fentanyl was intercepted in the Bronx, Bronx. After conducting intensive surveillance including 250,000 ready to use glassine on a Sedgwick Avenue apartment, agents envelopes and an additional three kilograms and officers with the DEA-led New York in bulk, which were destined for distribution Drug Enforcement Task Force (NYDETF) in New York City and the Northeast. obtained a search warrant and entered to Members of a drug trafficking organization find six individuals and piles upon piles of used a variety of different stamps to brand narcotics. A surprising discovery even for the narcotics, including “El Chapo” and “Exit veteran narcotics agents, the defendants 4.” The El Chapo stamp was a nod to the had allegedly filled over 750,000 glassine convicted leader of Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, envelopes stamped with the brand name while the Exit 4 stamp referenced an exit off “Fire” and carrying a street value of over the Massachusetts Turnpike near Springfield, $7 million. The narcotics were believed to Mass., where one of the defendants be destined for distribution in New York and resided. Some of the heroin and fentanyl Massachusetts. Hundreds of thousands was recovered from a vehicle, while the

20 Case Highlights continued majority was found during a court-authorized the car near the Bronx River Parkway after search of an apartment on Wallace Avenue. conducting round-the-clock surveillance. Glassine envelopes of heroin were piled on On the previous day, agents and officers tables, in bags and on the floor. Most had observed the driver shining a light around been bundled into rectangular packages the inside of the rear passenger area of according to brand name, ready for delivery the Kia Sorrento, which was parked near on the street. The three kilograms were in 1690 East 174th Street. The car remained brick form and wrapped in cellophane. Three in the parking spot overnight while agents defendants were charged following the maintained surveillance. Early the next investigation by the NYDETF. morning, the driver placed a heavy looking gym bag in the backseat of the car and $5 Million in Fentanyl Hidden in climbed inside the rear passenger area. He Trap Compartment could be seen moving around and wiping the seat with a rag. He drove off and was stopped minutes later. The empty gym bag was inside the car when officers found the 18 kilograms of fentanyl.

Major Trafficker Extradited from Dominican Republic A high-level alleged narcotics trafficker accused of setting up and supplying a series of heroin and fentanyl packaging operations in the Bronx was extradited from the Dominican Republic to face trial in New York City. A long-term wiretap investigation

A defendant is seen carrying a heavy duffel bag on security footage. He entered a car that was later found to contain 18 kilograms of fentanyl.

A large load of 18 kilograms of fentanyl (approximately 40 lbs.) was seized from a hidden trap in the rear of a Kia Sorrento in the Bronx. Members of the NYDETF stopped New York Daily News, June 7, 2015

21 Case Highlights continued

by the New York Strike Force revealed that officers who were in the process of Anyerson Delacruz-Rosario directed at least conducting a court authorized search of a two heroin packaging operations in New drug packaging location in the Bronx. York City from his base in the Dominican Multiple officers required medical treatment Republic. Delacruz-Rosario faces the top for nausea and shortness of breath after narcotics charge Operating as a Major defendant Christian Rojas allegedly threw Trafficker. The investigation began in October the potent illicit opioid at an officer’s head, of 2014 following a young man’s death from causing powder to become airborne. A a fatal overdose in Sullivan County, N.Y. total of seven defendants were found inside Eleven defendants were previously arrested the drug packaging mill on Willis Avenue in as a result of the investigation. All entered Mott Haven, where approximately 20,000 pleas of guilty. Ten were sentenced, while individual glassines had been filled with one fled prior to being sentenced, prompting heroin and fentanyl. Additional quantities a Manhattan Supreme Court justice to of narcotics were present in loose powder issue a bench warrant. Agents and officers form. All seven of the defendants face top conducted court authorized searches at 11 narcotics possession charges. locations, including an apartment that housed a drug packaging mill and multiple stash Pallets of Drugs Shipped from locations. Officers recovered thousands of Mexico to U.S. Cities individual dose glassine envelopes, more than An investigation disrupted a sophisticated 6.5 kilograms of fentanyl and heroin (over 14 scheme to smuggle bulk amounts of drugs pounds) and a loaded .357 Magnum. The hidden in shipping pallets from Mexico to narcotics carried an estimated value of $2 cities across the U.S. Two pallets intercepted million once packaged for street-level sales. in Brooklyn and in Memphis, Tenn. contained a total of 12 kilograms (over 25 lbs.) of heroin Fentanyl Assault on Officer and cocaine. Agents with the NYDETF linked Inside Drug Packaging Mill these shipments to a defendant based in A defendant was charged with assault for Brownsville, Tex., who was arrested and throwing toxic fentanyl at law enforcement extradited to New York City to face trial. At the time of his arrest, the defendant was in possession of a phone and other evidence associated with 10 shipments of narcotics. Besides the narcotics, the pallets

20,000 glassines were being packaged in the apartment. Additional fentanyl powder was recklessly Bulk amounts of drugs were shipped from Mexico to strewn around the U.S. hidden in shipping pallets. the location.

22 Case Highlights continued contained hundreds of pounds of discarded fentanyl. Upon conducting a court authorized household goods. The investigation search of the apartment, agents and officers identified approximately 100 pallets that found an additional three brick-shaped followed a similar pattern, including the use packages of heroin, as well as several plastic of a shipping account under a fake name bags containing methamphetamine, cocaine associated with the defendant. Additional and heroin. Also recovered were narcotics pallets were subsequently intercepted in paraphernalia, including empty glassine Baton Rouge, La. and Fort Wayne, Ind. and envelopes, a scale, grinders and a kilogram contained 217 lbs. of marijuana and 10 lbs. press. The DEA New York Division estimated of methamphetamine. the wholesale value of the drugs recovered at over $300,000 and the street value at Multi-Drug Packaging Mill approximately $1 million. The defendant Dismantled Near Bronx School was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree.

Fentanyl Analog Investigations

Fentanyl Analogs Cause Rash of Overdoses in Brooklyn: 14 Charged A rash of overdoses linked to fentanyl analogs in South Brooklyn sparked a wiretap A Bronx daycare investigation that resulted in the arrest and center and elementary school indictment of 14 individuals. The defendants were on the are charged in connection with two drug same block as a drug packaging distribution organizations that sold cocaine, mill containing heroin, fentanyl and fentanyl analogs. heroin, fentanyl, Fentanyl analogs are potent variants of methamphetamine and cocaine. fentanyl that are produced illicitly. At the time of the investigation, many of these A three-bedroom apartment housed a multi- substances were unregulated in New York drug packaging mill on the same block as State. The two drug rings obtained narcotics a private elementary school and a day care from a common source of supply, Brandice center. Over six kilograms of narcotics Williams, who faces the top narcotics charge (13 lbs.), including three kilograms of of Operating as a Major Trafficker. Williams fentanyl, three kilograms of heroin and was living in Virginia at the time of her arrest quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine, and allegedly traveled to Brooklyn to deliver were recovered by the NYDETF. A defendant narcotics. was observed leaving the mill location on Defendant Waldemar Valentin, aka “Wiz,” Andrews Avenue in the Bronx carrying a the alleged head of one drug ring supplied by black backpack, which contained three Williams, is also charged with Operating as brick-shaped packages of heroin and a Major Trafficker. More than 175 instances

23 Case Highlights continued

of drug sales or possession were linked to he photographed on his phone. Following his ring, which operated out of two South his arrest, Sease was indicted by the U.S. Brooklyn motels. Valentin also faces charges Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of of assault and witness intimidation in New York in a sweeping racketeering case connection with a baseball bat beating of an involving the Brims gang. He is currently in individual suspected of stealing from the drug federal custody. ring. The beating occurred inside a car in a Staples store parking lot. Major Trafficker Charged: Array The second organization turned the of Drugs and Gun Seized Marlboro Houses, a New York City Housing A long term investigation by the El Dorado Authority residential complex, into a hub Task Force resulted in the seizure of over of lucrative drug activity. Drugs, guns and eight pounds of heroin, cocaine, fentanyl ammunition were stashed inside various and acetyl fentanyl (a potent fentanyl analog) apartments at the complex. Defendant worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in James Sease resided in New Jersey and September of 2019. The narcotics were regularly commuted to Brooklyn in his recovered from two apartments associated Mercedes Benz car in order to conduct with Cesar Hernandez De La Rosa, who is drug sales. During the investigation, Sease charged with Operating as a Major Trafficker. allegedly spent some criminal profits on A search of 1729 East 172nd Street, Apt. 3, shopping sprees at high end stores, such in the Bronx resulted in the seizure of nearly as Chanel where Sease purchased a four pounds of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, $5,000 bag with a stack of $20 bills that a loaded 9mm handgun and fake IDs. A second apartment at 1551 University Avenue contained two kilos of narcotics (over four pounds), branded with the “Captain America” shield, as well as drug paraphernalia and fake IDs. Subsequent laboratory analysis revealed the narcotics seized contained a mixture of heroin, fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl and tramadol. Prior to the searches, agents were conducting surveillance on Hernandez De La Rosa and stopped him outside of 1729 East 172nd Street. De La Rosa had previously been deported from the U.S. and was ordered held without bail at his arraignment.

Lucrative narcotics trafficking Two apartments associated with an accused drug operations were dismantled kingpin contained eight pounds of narcotics, following fatal overdoses. including a potent fentanyl analog.

24 Case Highlights continued

In addition to the Major Trafficker charge, he rotted papayas, and pallets of cartons of faces multiple top drug charges and Criminal oregano and coconuts. The investigation Possession of a Weapon. revealed the cocaine was destined for distribution in New York and the Northeast. Citywide Cocaine Supply Major Cocaine Trafficker Multi-Million Dollar Cocaine Indicted: Ordered Shipments Shipment Seized in Hunts Point Direct from Mexico

Police discovered 29 kilograms of cocaine inside heavy Over 150 pounds luggage the of cocaine was defendants recovered in the transported Hunts Point to a vacant warehouse district. apartment. Packages were wrapped in yellow and brown tape, some marked with a $200 bill logo or imprinted with the name The accused leader of a multi-million-dollar “Fred.” cocaine trafficking organization and three A $3 million cocaine shipment was seized others were arrested following a long-term in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx wiretap investigation by the NYDETF. Miguel during an investigation into narcotics activity Rodriguez was charged with Operating as a at a commercial warehouse. Members of Major Trafficker for allegedly overseeing the the NYDETF were conducting surveillance shipment and sale of 30 kilograms of cocaine when they observed a series of cars and (approximately 66 lbs.). The investigation trucks entering through a metal security revealed Rodriguez directly contacted a gate at the warehouse, including a Hyundai source of supply in Mexico to coordinate Santa Fe. Agents stopped a Hyundai they bulk shipments of narcotics that he received had previously seen with different license on a monthly basis. Acutely aware of law plates. Inside were two large black suitcases enforcement, the defendants stashed containing 70 kilograms of cocaine (over escape vehicles in different neighborhoods 154 lbs.) in individually wrapped packages. around the city. On the day that agents and In a subsequent court authorized search of officers seized the 30 kilograms of cocaine, the warehouse, Port Authority K-9 “Balu” Rodriguez initially directed his co-defendant alerted agents to the presence of narcotics to transfer the narcotics at a hotel, but in a truck trailer that had entered the location changed course due to too much activity in earlier that day. Agents discovered a hidden the lobby. As Plan B, Rodriguez directed his compartment at the top of the trailer. The codefendants to a vacant apartment on West main area of the trailer contained bags of 130th Street in Manhattan. Agents observed

25 Case Highlights continued

one defendant enter the apartment carrying of the 30 kilograms (66 lbs.) of narcotics two heavy pieces of luggage, which proved seized was an estimated $3 million. The main to contain 29 kilograms of cocaine. An target of the investigation was sentenced to additional kilogram was recovered from seven years in prison after pleading guilty to a vehicle. Rodriquez was stopped leaving drug possession charges. the apartment.

Large Load of “Pablo Escobar” NYC Distribution Branded Narcotics Seized Networks

“Operation Frostbite” Nets 14 Following Deaths

Kilogram-sized packages were wrapped and labeled with various images, including a photo of notorious drug traffi cker Pablo Escobar.

Approximately 30 kilograms of narcotics, including cocaine, heroin and synthetic painkillers, and $200,000 cash were seized in Harlem as a result of an investigation by the NYDETF. Kilogram-sized packages were Patch News, March 7, 2019 wrapped in brown, black and clear tape, with various labels affi xed on top. Among Fourteen defendants in the Bronx and the labels was a photo of the notorious drug Manhattan were indicted in sales of heroin, traffi cker Pablo Escobar, as well as pieces fentanyl and cocaine following an investigation of paper marked with his name. Other labels sparked by a fatal overdose in the Upper East bore recipient code names and images of Side. The victim, a 28-year-old man, died airplanes. Agents seized the narcotics during in a diner in January 2018. Jose “Cataño” a short-term investigation in which they Jorge, an alleged drug supplier based in observed two men meet in the vicinity of the Soundview neighborhood of the Bronx, 630 Lenox Avenue. One man then entered faces narcotics and conspiracy charges, as an apartment at that address and later well as reckless endangerment for knowingly reemerged with a gray backpack containing selling potentially lethal drugs. In chilling three kilograms. A court authorized search conversations with an undercover offi cer, of the apartment uncovered the other 27 Cataño allegedly described how he mixed kilograms of narcotics. The total street value fentanyl into the heroin he sold. Laughing

26 Case Highlights continued off an accusation of causing a death, he related to two of the defendants suffered an explained that overdoses are actually “good overdose and survived. At the outset of the for business” because then everyone wants investigation, the defendants sold blue-tinted what he is selling. fentanyl to an undercover officer with the Also charged was former police officer NYPD’s Narcotics Borough Brooklyn South, Edward Wagner, who retired from the leading officers to dub the investigation NYPD in 1994 and who allegedly drove his “Operation Blue Dope.” The defendants son from Manhattan to the Bronx in order later expanded the types of narcotics sold to to purchase cocaine, heroin and fentanyl heroin and cocaine. from Cataño. Drugs were then sold to an undercover officer. The son, who was a friend California to New York Supply and neighbor to the 28-year-old overdose Chain Disrupted victim, also died during the investigation. Subsequently, Edward Wagner sold the undercover officer cocaine, heroin, boxes of bullets, a ballistic vest, a shotgun and shotgun shells.

Five Sentenced to Prison; Drug Sales Linked to Overdoses

A Brooklyn-based narcotics organization linked to New York Daily News, March 22, 2020 overdoses sold potent fentanyl tinted blue. An investigation that began with drug Five members of a Sunset Park, Brooklyn- overdoses led police to uncover a Queens based narcotics trafficking organization distribution network and a California to New received prison sentences of up to six years York City supply chain. In a sophisticated for selling a variety of narcotics, including scheme, Nassau County based brothers potent fentanyl, heroin and cocaine. During Jamel and Randolph Brown allegedly teamed the investigation, two individuals overdosed up with a New York City school custodian, on narcotics allegedly linked to the drug ring. Troy Williams, to transport large quantities of A Staten Island woman fatally overdosed in cocaine and fentanyl across the U.S. Jamel early 2019. An autopsy in the Staten Island Brown made multiple trips to California to fatality determined the cause of death was meet with members of a supply organization. the combined effects of fentanyl, a fentanyl Williams is charged with orchestrating these analog called fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl, cocaine meetings. Packages containing narcotics and morphine. Subsequently, a Brooklyn man were sent back to New York through mail

27 Case Highlights continued Drugs and Violence delivery services. Also, inside the packages were GPS devices that the trio used for Drug Stash Worth $4 Million tracking. Court authorized searches of and Six Guns Seized Following properties associated with the Brown Overdoses brothers yielded three guns, over $60,000 cash and more than a pound of cocaine. Williams was arrested as he entered his vehicle outside the school where he worked. Police recovered a kilogram of fentanyl from inside the car. This trio allegedly supplied a Queens-based distribution network that made approximately two-dozen sales to undercover officers between November of 2018 and December of 2019.

Drug Dealer Targeted Busy Union Square Businesses in Sales A defendant who sold heroin, fentanyl and cocaine to an undercover NYPD officer set up the majority of his sales in the vicinity of Union Square. The defendant directed the undercover to meet him inside busy fast food restaurants, including Chipotle, McDonald’s and Au Bon Pain, with most sales occurring between the hours of 2 p.m. Over 30 lbs. of heroin and fentanyl were seized from and 5 p.m. The defendant handed narcotics a distribution network linked to fatal overdoses. to the undercover inside a bag or box, while families with young children and babies in An investigation into three overdose deaths strollers were nearby. In the largest sale, the and two non-fatal overdoses in the Bronx undercover met the defendant at a Dunkin’ and Westchester led law enforcement Donuts on St. Nicholas Avenue in Harlem and agents to seize over 30 pounds of heroin paid $3,700 for cocaine and purported heroin. and fentanyl with a street value of over $4 Laboratory analysis determined the narcotics million, as well as five handguns, an assault sold were cocaine and heroin. The defendant rifle and $170,000 cash. Nine defendants was sentenced to eight years in prison after were charged, including members of a drug pleading guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled distribution network and two top suppliers for Substance in the Second Degree. the organization, Ismael Lugo and Ricardo Gonzalez. The two suppliers were present inside a drug stash location on Holland Avenue in Morris Park when members of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Border Enforcement Security/Taskforce (BEST) conducted a court authorized search and seized approximately 10 kilograms

28 Case Highlights continued of heroin and fentanyl, six guns and over and weapons possession. A total of 12 guns $100,000 cash. Furniture inside the stash were recovered. The investigation began apartment was outfitted with hidden following two overdoses, one of which was compartments. Mechanical kilo presses fatal. The indictment contains charges related used for forming bricks of narcotics and four to two incidents of shots fired in Brooklyn, pounds of marijuana were also recovered. including a wild shootout on August 27, 2018 A subsequent search of Lugo’s residence in which over 20 bullets were fired in broad in Elmsford, N.Y. yielded an additional four daylight. The indictment charges multiple kilograms of narcotics packaged in the members of the same family: brothers same manner as those at the stash location. Michael Watson and Marvin Watson and their Members of the drug distribution network nephews Jerry Watson and Earl Watson. conducted more than a dozen sales to During the August 27, 2018 shootout, which undercover officers during the investigation, was captured on security video, Michael and including sales of heroin laced with potentially Marvin Watson emerged from a black SUV lethal fentanyl. carrying weapons and exchanged fire with a rival driving a silver Lexus. Pedestrians dove Family Members Among 10 for cover as Michael Watson brandished a Face Assault, Weapon and Drug large gun and ran after the rival’s car, which Charges sped backwards and rammed multiple vehicles. Two days later, police received another report of shots fired and observed Michael Watson speeding away from the scene. Police tracked him to a stash location, where five of the defendants were present. A court authorized search yielded four guns, cocaine and drug paraphernalia. During the investigation by the NYPD’s Narcotics Borough Brooklyn North, the ten charged defendants allegedly coordinated with one another to make sales of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine to customers, including 10 sales to an undercover officer.

Notorious Bronx Street Market for Drugs Dismantled An indictment charged 14 members of a large narcotics trafficking organization with conspiracy to sell heroin and cocaine in the vicinity of a Bronx bakery following a long-

Narcotics and 12 guns were seized from a trafficking term wiretap investigation. The alleged leader group implicated in broad daylight shootouts. of the organization, Jack Acevedo, faces the top narcotics charge of Operating as a Ten members of an alleged Brooklyn-based Major Trafficker. The New York Strike Force criminal organization were charged with investigation was initiated in response to trafficking in narcotics, attempted assault community complaints about the open and

29 Case Highlights continued

notorious sale and consumption of narcotics of hitting a woman and her dog. Laboratory along a busy commercial stretch of 3rd testing determined that the two kilograms Avenue in Mott Haven, as well as violent Santos was selling were fake. Santos was incidents. Acevedo’s alleged organization arrested in October 2019 outside a Bronx took over the bakery, a legitimate business, nightclub. He had three pounds of marijuana and used it as a hub for drug trafficking. inside his vehicle. Santos faces charges of Sales were conducted on the sidewalk Reckless Driving, Aggravated Unlicensed and inside. Members of the organization Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Leaving the observed a strict hierarchy. A court Scene of an Incident without Reporting, authorized search of Acevedo’s residence, Reckless Endangerment, Criminal Possession which served as an alleged stash location, of Marijuana and Attempted Grand Larceny. In yielded approximately $50,000 cash and a prior incident prosecuted by the Manhattan hundreds of glassine envelopes of suspected District Attorney’s Office in 2018, Santos heroin as well as ziploc bags containing struck and dragged a police officer who had suspected heroin and cocaine. Acevedo approached his car in Times Square. received his narcotics from multiple suppliers, including Antonio Paigne. In a court authorized search of Paigne’s residence, agents and officers recovered two loaded guns and nearly a kilogram of suspected heroin and cocaine.

Speedster Drug Suspect Nearly Ran Down Woman and Dog A suspected drug dealer known for high- speed getaways was arrested two months after fleeing from DEA agents and nearly running down a young woman walking her dog in the Upper East Side. The close call came in August 2019 after members of a DEA surveillance team attempted to approach Arfhy “Coyote” Santos in the vicinity of Park Avenue and 97th Street as he was allegedly conducting the sale of two kilograms of purported cocaine. Santos twice smashed his car into a police vehicle as he fled the scene. Security video allegedly shows Santos drive up onto a sidewalk and come within inches New York Daily News, November 19, 2019

30 Prescription Drugs the deaths of patients Eliot Castillo, 35, and Michael Ries, 30, both of whom fatally Queens Doctor Sentenced to overdosed within three days of receiving 7 Years in Patients’ Deaths prescriptions from Choy. Five counts of Dr. Lawrence Choy was sentenced to a Reckless Endangerment relate to fi ve additional patients, one of whom died of an overdose. A licensed physician since 1981, Choi specialized in internal medicine and nephrology and operated a full-time medical offi ce in Flushing. Beginning in 2012, he began issuing prescriptions for dangerous levels of narcotic drugs in high- risk combinations with other controlled substances. Choy drew patients from a wide geographic area. The investigation was conducted by SNP’s Prescription Drug Investigation Unit and Investigators Unit, the DEA’s New York Strike Force and the New York City Human Resources Administration with assistance from the Nassau County and Suffolk County Police Departments.

Pharmacist Sentenced for Oxycodone Sales and Forged Rxs A supervising pharmacist was sentenced to four years in prison for diverting millions of dollars in oxycodone pills from a Queens pharmacy. Victor LaPerla and a pharmacy technician allegedly conspired to fi ll forged prescriptions in exchange for cash at their New York Post, September 10, 2019 workplace, Dale Pharmacy & Surgical Inc. in Richmond Hill, Queens. Each forged nearly seven-year prison term on two counts prescription was written for 180 pills of of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, 27 30 mg oxycodone painkillers for a total of counts of Criminal Sale of a Prescription 2,700 pills. An unindicted coconspirator for a Controlled Substance and fi ve counts and others also made cash payments for of Reckless Endangerment. Three of the oxycodone pills in unlabeled bottles for doctor’s patients died of overdoses, including which no offi cial prescription had been two patients whose deaths are the subject presented. This was done for the purpose of the manslaughter charges. In pleading of reselling the pills on the black market. guilty to 34 felony counts stemming from Through search warrants at the pharmacy illegal sales of prescriptions for controlled and LaPerla’s home and phone, investigators substances, Choy admitted to causing found proof of unaccounted for prescriptions

31 and corresponding documentation of addictive opioid painkiller, for no legitimate the amount of pills that were resold. The medical purpose. In pleading guilty, Feygin investigation, conducted by the Prescription admitted to directing his employees Drug Investigation Unit and the DEA, to provide oxycodone prescriptions to revealed that between March 2013 and May individuals known to be reselling pills on the 2018 LaPerla filled over 855 oxycodone 30 street and to those using illicit drugs, such as mg prescriptions. As a result, an estimated heroin. Feygin and his staff were responsible 158,000 pills carrying a street value of up to for prescribing over 3.7 million oxycodone $4 million were diverted to the black market. pills between early 2012 and early 2017 and In 2017 alone, LaPerla allegedly received received over $16 million in reimbursements approximately $303,900 as a result of the from Medicaid/Medicare. scheme. LaPerla pled guilty to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree and Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree.

Doctor Sentenced in Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Dr. Lazar Feygin received a sentence of five years in prison in connection with schemes to illegally sell prescriptions for millions of oxycodone pills, to defraud Medicaid/ Medicare of millions of dollars and to commit money laundering. Feygin pled guilty to 16 felonies, including multiple counts of Conspiracy, Criminal Sale of a Prescription for a Controlled Substance and Health Care Fraud. As operator of two medical clinics in Brooklyn, Feygin directed medical professionals and office staff to subject patients to unnecessary tests that were then fraudulently billed to Medicaid/Medicare. To induce patients to submit to these tests, Feygin and his staff illegally provided patients with prescriptions for oxycodone, an New York Post, March 11, 2019

32 Alternative Sentencing Bureau

For defendants with substance abuse the screening and monitoring of diverted disorder, an effective drug treatment program defendants. Eligible candidates are given the can mean the difference between the ability opportunity to enter an appropriate program to lead a productive, law-abiding life and instead of going to prison. Treatment options a cycle of relapse, criminal behavior and include long-term residential programs, incarceration. Yet it is not enough to simply short-term residential programs or intensive treat the physical aspects of addiction. To outpatient treatment programs. Upon begin anew, those in recovery require skills successful completion, charges may be gained through academic and vocational dismissed. training, along with supportive counseling. Through SNP’s Drug Treatment A pioneer in the eld, SNP’s Alternative Alternatives to Prison (DTAP), which began Sentencing Bureau has successfully worked in the early 1990s and served as a model with thousands of individuals over the past for subsequent local and state programs, three decades to provide the tools needed highly experienced staff members evaluate to achieve and maintain a meaningful and defendants who are likely to reap the sustained recovery. bene ts of treatment, identify appropriate Since October 2009, judges are programs and monitor progress. SNP also authorized to place defendants in a court refers eligible offenders with co-occurring sponsored diversion program. A judge substance use and mental illness disorders determines which felony offenders qualify for to the Manhattan Mental Health Court to these programs and court staff supervises provide integrated substance use and mental them. SNP staff offer their expertise in health treatment.

DEFENDANTS ENTERING TREATMENT 2005–2019

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Diversion 18 99 68 73 74 71 66 87 77 37 54

DTAP 169 137 90 114 91 36 756153214

MTC 156 101 81 76 33 17 600000000

Total 325 238 171 190 142 152 81 78 80 72 71 90 79 38 58 Treatment

Indictments/ 2,424 2,178 1,974 1,703 1,595 1,376 1,293 1,373 1,364 1,228 1,200 1,338 1,219 1,141 896 SCI

% Indictments/ 13% 11% 9% 11% 9% 11% 6% 6% 6% 6% 6% 7% 6% 3% 6% SCI diverted

33 Legal Training Unit

The Legal Training Unit develops and The training curriculum complies with the implements the professional training regulations and guidelines of the New York curriculum offered to Assistant District State Continuing Legal Education Board. Attorneys. The unit selects speakers, lectures The office has been a New York State CLE and workshops to address topics that include Accredited Provider since 2000. investigatory and prosecutorial techniques, For over a decade, SNP has devoted legal procedures, changes in the law, and a portion of its resources to training effective approaches to the prosecution of programs offered to hundreds of local and felony narcotic and related crimes. federal enforcement and criminal justice In 2019, the Legal Training Unit offered personnel in New York and other areas of a professional development series and the country. Senior staff members lecture on numerous lectures throughout the year to narcotics investigations and prosecutions both experienced and new assistant district at the New York State District Attorneys attorneys. Presentations included: Drafting Association (DAASNY) Summer College, Search Warrants, Ethical Obligations, and the DAASNY Winter Conference, the Introduction to Wiretapping. Of particular New York Prosecutors Training Institute focus this year, considering the sweeping (NYPTI), the New York Police Department’s criminal justice reforms enacted by the New Police Academy, the DEA’s New York Drug York legislature, was preparing our Office Enforcement Task Force (DETF), and the for adapting to and complying with these New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug extensive reforms. Trafficking Area (HIDTA). John Iannelli

Left: Deputy Chief of the Trial Division Paul M. Harvey (l.) and Executive Assistant District Attorney Joseph J. Tesoriero (r.) attend the District Attorneys’ Association of New York (DAASNY) Annual Winter Conference. Right: Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan delivers a presentation about the opioid epidemic at the DAASNY Annual Winter Conference.

34 NYPD Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Unit

The New York City Police Department Digital Media Evidence (NYPD) has assigned a team of detectives to The unit tracks and controls “chain of the office since 1972. The Special Narcotics custody” for electronic media evidence and Prosecutor’s Unit, as it is known, is under makes certain that all audio/video evidence is the command of a senior NYPD lieutenant secure. Additionally, the unit is responsible for who serves as a liaison between SNP and the creation and testimony of grand jury/trial the Detective Bureau’s Criminal Enterprise wiretap composite recordings and processes Division. digital photographic evidence and data Expert at tracking, safekeeping and evidence. presenting electronically recorded evidence, In 2019, the unit registered 1,703 pieces the detectives also provide support on of audio/video evidence, 1,351 pieces of search warrant investigations and maintain wiretap media evidence and 80 pieces of citywide repositories for electronically data and photographic evidence. The unit recorded evidence and SNP search warrants. also prepared, created and registered 2,750 duplicate copies of registered electronic Search Warrants media evidence. Editing of original video The unit prepares search warrants and evidence to protect the identity of undercover affidavits and expedites requests through officers and make compilations of original SNP. Detectives keep track of all confiscated evidence was performed 119 times in 2019. evidence and maintain a database on arrests and seizures resulting from the execution of search warrants. The unit also educates new investigators on search warrant procedures. In 2019, the unit processed 1,282 search warrants.

35 Support Services Units

Fiscal prepared and distributed through the unit. The All agency fiscal activities, including the agency’s website and social media accounts production and submission of funding are also maintained by the unit. requests to federal, state and city funding agencies, and the monitoring of expenditures, Community Outreach fall under the responsibility of the Fiscal The Community Outreach Coordinator meets Unit. To that end, the unit assesses and with community and religious leaders, block approves purchases and payment vouchers, associations, the New York City Housing disbursement of funds, such as petty cash, Authority and other groups to address local and payroll coordination; enforces fiscal drug problems, while conferring regularly with policy; conducts internal audits; and reviews NYPD officials to devise strategies to combat and approves agency procurements. crime. Once an investigation is completed and a drug organization is removed from Human Resources a building or neighborhood, resources The Human Resources Unit oversees and are devoted toward providing community implements procedures related to the support services. Additionally, experienced assignment or transfer of Assistant District prosecutors offer lectures to schools and Attorneys from the offices of the five county youth groups, serve as mock trial coaches District Attorneys, while also administering and speak at career days. the recruitment of managerial, administrative and clerical personnel. The unit is committed Information Technologies (IT) to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion Information Technology develops, among staff and seeks out individuals establishes and administers SNP’s with a diverse range of backgrounds and computer networks and telecommunication experiences. Unit staff participates in systems. The unit identifies needs and puts planning, developing and executing programs in place systems that effectively merge for all employees, as well as in support of technology with office processes, and recruitment efforts. The unit implements provides a variety of case-related services. effective human resource policies; adheres to Digital Forensics and Litigation collective bargaining agreements; maintains Support: provides pre-trial and in-court time and leave records for all employees; technology support, including recovery and and is responsible for bi-weekly payroll examination of evidence from electronic distribution. The unit serves as liaison with devices, trial exhibit preparation and the citywide payroll management system and presentation. adheres to all HR regulatory compliance laws. Application Development and Support: develops, maintains and supports Public Information computer software. The Public Information Unit responds to Technical Support: supports staff in inquiries from members of the media, using electronic devices, and addresses government agencies, advocacy groups technical problems and desktop security. and individuals on the status of cases, joint IT Infrastructure Support: oversees enforcement efforts, legal decisions, legislative servers, computers, network security, email action and citywide narcotics-related trends. and data storage and backup maintenance. Press releases, reports and testimony are

36 Support Services Units continued

Records Management: files, registers TPAs interview defendants who are diverted and maintains a record of closed and bench to treatment and track their progress. Part N warranted case files and processes parole TPAs assist in tracking plea offers, grand jury requests. actions and case dispositions. Case Information: captures and tracks data pertaining to all cases prosecuted by Extraditions/Detainers the office, from arrest to disposition. The unit The unit administers the return of fugitives prepares regular reports and ad hoc reports apprehended or in custody in other on narcotics activities and performs statistical jurisdictions and in foreign countries that have analysis. Unit staff is assigned to coordinate extradition treaties with the United States. data capture and provide additional support. Grand Jury Reporters Criminal and Investigative Grand Jury Reporters record, produce and Analysts maintain transcripts of confidential testimony Analysts are instrumental to all stages of presented before the grand juries. investigation and prosecution, using the most current technology available to enhance a Interpretation and case from its inception through trial. Evidence Translation Services from various sources is analyzed, including The unit interprets and translates for non- telephone communication carriers, social English speaking witnesses in debriefings media sources, Treasury Department data with investigators and Assistant District and prescription drug-related data. Analysts Attorneys, and during testimony before the prepare and process subpoenas, provide grand jury; provides written translation and background searches using public records transcription services for evidentiary consent and law enforcement specific databases, and wiretap recordings that contain dialogue prepare investigative reports, and act as in languages other than English; and provides points of contact for law enforcement. During translation of documents. the presentation of a case, analysts prepare trial exhibits and testify in the grand jury and Property Release at trial. The Property Release Section is responsible for coordinating with the New York Trial Preparation Assistants City Police Department and other law (TPAs) enforcement agencies to ensure property Trial Preparation Assistants (TPAs) are that can be legally returned to its rightful assigned to the Investigations Division, the owner is returned in a timely manner. Trial Division, Part N, and the Alternative Sentencing Division. Investigation and Trial Operations Division TPAs track cases, maintain case The Operations Unit is responsible for office records and gather reports and legal papers maintenance, reproduction of documents, required by Assistant District Attorneys. mail delivery, messenger services, Additionally, they make arrangements for housekeeping requests, office supply prisoners to be produced in court and help inventory and disbursement, housekeeping Assistants prepare for grand jury and trial requests, office supply inventory and presentations. Alternative Sentencing Bureau disbursement.

37 The People of SNP

38 39 Executive & Legal Staff

Bridget G. Brennan Special Narcotics Prosecutor

Steven M. Goldstein Chief Assistant District Attorney

Joseph J. Tesoriero Lisa DePasquale Executive Assistant District Attorney Chief of the Trial Division Chief of Investigations Chief of Alternative Sentencing

Rhonda Ferdinand Thomas G. Van Noy Special Assistant District Attorney Administrative Assistant for Drug Prevention and Policy District Attorney

Kathryn M. Spota Paul H. Harvey Steven R. Miller Deputy Chief of Investigations Deputy Chief, Trial Division Deputy Chief, Trial Division Deputy Bureau Chief, 40/50 Deputy Bureau Chief, 40/50

Philip Gary Nigel I. Farinha Susan N. Lanzatella Director of Legal Training Chief Diversity Officer Director of Strategic Initiatives Co-Chief, Narcotics Gang Unit Co-Chief, Narcotics Gang Unit

Edward Burns Lisa M. Tompkins Tess Cohen Bureau Chief, 30/60 Chief, Special Investigations Bureau Chief, Prescription Drug Investigation Unit

Jannine Rowser Bernice Ordonez Clark S. Abrams Counsel for Technology Integration Deputy Chief, Money Laundering and Deputy Bureau Chief, 30/60 Special Investigations Bureau Financial Crimes Coordinator

Kristin Bailey Eryck Kratville Marcel J. Philippe Deputy Bureau Chief, 30/60 Chief, Heroin Interdiction Team Chief, Forfeiture Unit Senior Supervising Attorney, Special Investigations Bureau

Kathleen V. Doyle Andres Torres Senior Supervising Attorney, Senior Supervising Attorney, Trial Division Special Investigations Bureau

NEW YORK COUNTY BRONX COUNTY Clark S. Abrams Imani Hutty Marcel J. Philippe Erik J. Aho Kristin Bailey Joseph T. Ippolito Matthew C. Reinhardt Kate Christobek Amy Boddorff Minji Kim Jannine Rowser Brian J. Rodriguez Jakub Brodowski Leo S. Korman Yoav Sered Lisa M. Tompkins Daniel Bromwich Eryck Kratville Zoe E. Shea KINGS COUNTY Edward Burns Susan N. Lanzatella Mary Cate Simeone Tess Cohen Katherine R. Lihn Kathryn M. Spota Joseph F. Gookin Lisa DePasquale Christopher Lin Marc Stepper Anju Malhotra Lauren Di Giovanni Catherine Lloyd Lauren Stoia Steven R. Miller Michael Di Paolo Michael Luongo Kathryn Suma Mary E. Monahan Kathleen V. Doyle Scott Miller Joseph J. Tesoriero Nicholas Potter Christopher C. Edel Angie Morelli Kristen Tessmer Rachel Raimondi Nigel I. Farinha Sara M. Moriarty David S. Torreblanca Leslie Ransdell Rhonda Ferdinand Quentin J. Morgan Andres Torres QUEENS COUNTY Luke Flynn-Fitzsimmons Brian T. Noel Daniel J. Tyrrell Paul H. Harvey Nancy Frigo Bernice Ordonez Thomas G. Van Noy Philip Gary Daniel Passeser Brooke Verdiglione RICHMOND COUNTY Steven M. Goldstein Jonny Peña Nuñez Courtney Wen Ann Heo Daniel P. Hughes Hannah R. Perlman Andrew T. Winkler Kirstin Krueger Edward Robinson

40 Managerial & Support Staff ADMINISTRATIVE HUMAN RESOURCES INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION MANAGEMENT Arthur Simmons, Director Special Investigations Bureau Secretary AND SUPPORT Sabrina Middleton, Deputy Director Diana Valentin Stefany A. Brown-Paulino, Manager Craig Jelen, Deputy for Trial Preparation Assistants Payroll Services Grand Jury Reporters Unit Lisa Thomas, Deputy for Cindy Cintron, Supervising TPA Biana Akselrod NYCAPS/Compliance Jenilee Briones Jodi Arnold Sylvia Fernandez Whitley Daniels Carol Bach Diane Johnson Irina Diaz, TPA/Junior Analyst Bonnie Greenstein Henry Polanco Sonia Hira Mireille Monestime Famim Huq Antonia Moy INFORMATION Diallo McKnight Reva Palmer TECHNOLOGY Jose Saldana Benjamin Azaraev, Interpretation and Investigative Analysts Chief Information Officer Translation Services Leonard Rizzo, Supervising Investigative Analyst Lucia Falcon-Palomar Digital Forensics and Leesa Boireau Rosa Ruales Litigation/Technical Support Joy Brescia Luis Vernon Gregory L. Wilson, Tatiana Choong Deputy in Charge Jonathan Courtney Operations Jacquelyn MacMurray Brian Benning Digital Forensics Bryan McCarthy Albert Nichols and Litigation Kayla Murray Luis Tull Anthony Lin Steven Ritacco Victor Roman Robin Schmitz Property Release J. Patrick Slattery William Simone Debra Danielsen Michael Zummo Alisa Figueroa Technical Support Joseph Cullen, Supervisor Prescription Drug Investigation Unit ALTERNATIVE SENTENCING David Lee-Hin Natalie Vitale, Investigative Assistant DIVISION Anthony Lin Forfeiture Investigations Unit Rochelle Davis, Supervising TPA John Polizzotto, Coordinator (Ret.) Andrea Obregon IT Application Development William Reeves, Coordinator COMMUNITY OUTREACH and Support INVESTIGATORS UNIT Calvin Solomon, Director Christopher Spies, Joseph Hall, Chief Investigator Deputy in Charge EXECUTIVE SUPPORT Belinda McNeill, Support Philip Imperiale, Lead Virginia Gibbons NYPD SNP UNIT Carla Jenkins IT Infrastructure Support Lt. Alfred Vitale Hysa Moultrie-Miller Patrick Florestal, Lead Det. Todd Cracco Thomas J. Nugent, Legal Assistant Olin McFadden Det. Matthew Francis Ana Pichardo, Legal Assistant Case Information Det. Christopher R. Henderson FISCAL Michelle Myton, Supervisor Det. Sharon Reilly Lei Yuan, Chief Financial Officer Jocelyn Pilotin-Lazar, PUBLIC INFORMATION Krisna Ramkhelawan, Deputy Supervisor Kati Cornell, Director Deputy for Fiscal Operations Anne Roy, 180.80 Coordinator Alexandra Bergin, Communication and Data Assistant Kevin Huang Desiree Creary, Part N Elliott Tran, Communication and Data Assistant Jacky Leung Michelle Ashby, Trial Division Ewelina Malysza Coordinator TRIAL DIVISION Syed Rizvi Debra Danielsen Shirley Tam Alisa Figueroa Trial Preparation Assistants Tania Zohora Jimmy Fontain Philip Lambert, TPA Coordinator, Trial Bureau Specialist, Extradition Specialist GRAND JURY WARDENS Regina Mavasheva Taurean Morrell Maddalena Coppola, Supervising TPA SCO Michael Napolitano Pilar Quinones Briyana Cortes SCO Christopher J. Stottmann Victor Rodriguez Nicole De’Matos Jessica Gulack Estefani Llanos Rubens Massena Roxanne McRae Karina Rodriguez Takeisha Sinclair Olivia Sitbon 41

Managing & Copy Editor: Kati Cornell

Editors: Alexandra Bergin Thomas J. Nugent Thomas G. Van Noy Craig Jelen

Graphics and Photography: Alexandra Bergin Laura Badger, Manhattan District Attorney’s Office U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division New York City Police Department New York State Police Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, Investigators Unit

Design: Vanguard

43 Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York