By Tiffany Williams - A Brooklyn gangbanger who left a trail of blood across the borough will spend the next quarter century behind bars. Devante James, 29, of East Flatbush — a member of the Mac Balla 59 Brims subset of the Bloods — was sentenced to 25 years in prison after admitting to a … Continue reading Brooklyn Bloods Member Convicted in Gang Shootings That Left One Dead, Two Wounded
Category: Inside The Tri-State
Two Men Arrested in Queens for Trafficking Assault Weapons and Narcotics from Georgia
By Tiffany Williams - Two men were arraigned in Queens on a staggering 194-count indictment charging them with trafficking guns and narcotics in what prosecutors are calling the “Iron Pipeline.” Teddy Gaston, 39, aka “JD Yikes,” of Jamaica, and 41-year-old Jezerel Huston of Macon, Georgia, allegedly ran a coordinated operation moving firearms from Georgia into … Continue reading Two Men Arrested in Queens for Trafficking Assault Weapons and Narcotics from Georgia
Queens Tragedy: Teen Killed, Parents Injured After Alleged Drunk Driver Rampage
By Tiffany Williams - A Queens man was arraigned Monday on murder and attempted murder charges after allegedly driving his SUV into a group of people, killing a 16-year-old girl and injuring her mother and stepfather. Edwin Cruz Gomez, 38, of Uniondale, faces a litany of charges including second-degree murder, three counts of attempted murder, … Continue reading Queens Tragedy: Teen Killed, Parents Injured After Alleged Drunk Driver Rampage
Federal Authorities Dismantle Ulster County, New York Drug Network; Ellenville Man Receives Prison Term
By Tiffany Williams - Justin Torres, 37, of Ellenville, New York, is headed to federal prison for more than three years after admitting his role in a drug conspiracy that pumped fentanyl and cocaine into Ulster County. Torres was sentenced to 37 months behind bars for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute … Continue reading Federal Authorities Dismantle Ulster County, New York Drug Network; Ellenville Man Receives Prison Term
State Oversight Team Investigating Fatal NYPD Shooting of Justin Coleman in Brooklyn
By Tiffany Williams - BROOKLYN — The state’s police watchdog has opened a probe into the fatal police shooting of Justin Coleman, who died after a bloody clash with cops outside an NYPD precinct in Brooklyn on Sept. 7. According to officials, Coleman showed up at the rear door of the 73rd Precinct around 5:28 … Continue reading State Oversight Team Investigating Fatal NYPD Shooting of Justin Coleman in Brooklyn
Snapchat Predator Arrested: NJ Man Charged with Sex Crimes And Drug Distribution
By Tiffany Williams - Miguel Francisco Guzman, 30, of Woodbridge, New Jersey, was hit with federal charges in New Haven, Connecticut, including child exploitation and drug distribution. A grand jury returned the indictment on September 4, and Guzman has been in custody since his arrest on August 12. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas … Continue reading Snapchat Predator Arrested: NJ Man Charged with Sex Crimes And Drug Distribution
Repeat Offender Admits to Possessing Over 650 Child Porn Images
By Tiffany Williams - Marcobrien S. Volcy, 28, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford to possession of child pornography following a prior New York conviction for possessing child pornography. The charge carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, up to 20 years, and a $250,000 fine. … Continue reading Repeat Offender Admits to Possessing Over 650 Child Porn Images
Child Porn Conviction Looms for New York Man with Prior Sex Abuse Record
By Tiffany Williams - James M. Lajoie, 30, of Appleton, NY, pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing child pornography, a charge that carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years behind bars and a potential $250,000 fine. The plea came before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara and follows a prior conviction in New York … Continue reading Child Porn Conviction Looms for New York Man with Prior Sex Abuse Record
12 Alleged FMB Members Face 33-Count Indictment After Surge of Southeast Queens Shootings
By Tiffany Williams - Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Mayor Eric Adams, and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced the indictment of 12 alleged members of the Floss Money Ballers (FMB) gang following a year-long investigation into a surge of shootings across Southeast Queens. The defendants, facing a 33-count indictment including conspiracy and attempted murder, are … Continue reading 12 Alleged FMB Members Face 33-Count Indictment After Surge of Southeast Queens Shootings
Human Trafficking Allegations: Valezka Echeverrias Indicted on Sex Trafficking and Extortion Charges
By Tiffany Williams - Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Valezka Echeverrias, 31, of Jackson Heights, has been indicted on multiple charges, including sex trafficking, grand larceny, and promoting prostitution, for allegedly forcing women into prostitution along Roosevelt Avenue. The indictment also includes charges of coercion and extortion, stemming from demands that victims pay … Continue reading Human Trafficking Allegations: Valezka Echeverrias Indicted on Sex Trafficking and Extortion Charges
Bronx Drive-By Shooting Leaves One Dead, Four Injured
By Tiffany Williams - A drive-by shooting in the Bronx on Monday night left five men injured, with one victim, 25, dead, authorities said. Police said the shooting began when two men jumped out of a car and opened fire on a group at the corner of Allerton and Olinville Avenues. The suspects attempted to … Continue reading Bronx Drive-By Shooting Leaves One Dead, Four Injured
Bronx Playground Upgrades Completed Ahead of Schedule, Adding Inclusive Features
By Tiffany Williams - Bronx families now have a fully renovated space to play and relax, as NYC Parks celebrated the reopening of Jennie Jerome Playground today. The project, funded by the Mayor’s Office at $4.3 million, brings new play equipment, shade trees, seating, lighting, and other upgrades to the busy urban park. “Jennie Jerome … Continue reading Bronx Playground Upgrades Completed Ahead of Schedule, Adding Inclusive Features
Port Authority Urges Travelers to Plan Ahead Amid JFK, LaGuardia, and Bridge Construction
By Tiffany Williams - The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is urging travelers to plan ahead this week as major construction projects and lane closures impact JFK Airport, LaGuardia, and key regional bridges and tunnels. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time, while air travelers are encouraged to use mass transit … Continue reading Port Authority Urges Travelers to Plan Ahead Amid JFK, LaGuardia, and Bridge Construction
Coalition of State AGs Prevails: Court Invalidates Trump-Era Economic Tariffs
By Tiffany Williams - New York Attorney General Letitia James celebrated a legal victory on Tuesday after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled the Trump administration’s tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were illegal. The decision comes after Attorney General James, along with a coalition of 11 other … Continue reading Coalition of State AGs Prevails: Court Invalidates Trump-Era Economic Tariffs
Grand Central Madison Welcomes Tracks, Expanding Dining Options for Commuters
By Tiffany Williams - Tracks Raw Bar & Grill has officially opened at Grand Central Madison, bringing a long-time Penn Station favorite to the LIRR’s east side terminal in Manhattan. The new location aims to serve the tens of thousands of commuters who pass through the station each day, adding to the growing mix of … Continue reading Grand Central Madison Welcomes Tracks, Expanding Dining Options for Commuters
17-Year-Old Faces Multiple Charges After Times Square Shooting
By Tiffany Williams - Manhattan prosecutors have indicted a 17-year-old for allegedly shooting three people in Times Square last month. District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., announced that Jayden Clarke, of the Bronx, faces multiple charges including three counts each of attempted murder in the second degree, attempted assault in the first degree, and assault … Continue reading 17-Year-Old Faces Multiple Charges After Times Square Shooting
Former Queens Doctor Sentenced to 24 Years for Sexual Assault of Patients and Acquaintances
By Tiffany Williams - A former Queens doctor has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for sexually assaulting patients and acquaintances, with an additional 10 years of post-release supervision and a lifetime requirement to register as a sex offender. Zhi Alan Cheng, 35, of Astoria, a former gastroenterologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, pleaded guilty to … Continue reading Former Queens Doctor Sentenced to 24 Years for Sexual Assault of Patients and Acquaintances
72-Year-Old Man Killed After Car Slams Into Planet Fitness in Elizabeth, New Jersey
By Jonathan Burgos - A man was killed and several others were injured Tuesday afternoon after a car crashed into a Planet Fitness gym in Elizabeth, New Jersey, according to police. The incident occurred around 12:20 p.m. at the Planet Fitness located at 647 Newark Avenue. Police said a 69-year-old woman drove her car through … Continue reading 72-Year-Old Man Killed After Car Slams Into Planet Fitness in Elizabeth, New Jersey
Queens Man Charged with Stealing Over $870,000 from Local Charity
By Tiffany Williams - QUEENS, N.Y. - Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Otto Starzmann, 60, of Anderson Road in St. Albans, has been charged with grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property for allegedly diverting $872,440 from River Fund, a Richmond Hill-based nonprofit. The organization, which provides fresh produce to needy families, … Continue reading Queens Man Charged with Stealing Over $870,000 from Local Charity
Three Alleged MS-13 Gang Members in Custody Following Nassau County Arrests
By Tiffany Williams - Three violent MS-13 members are in Nassau County police custody following a joint operation on August 8 involving ICE New York City, the Nassau County Police Department and the FBI. Two of the gang members reportedly entered the United States illegally during the Biden administration. Each individual has an extensive criminal … Continue reading Three Alleged MS-13 Gang Members in Custody Following Nassau County Arrests
Kenyan National and Convicted Felon Arrested in Buffalo, New York on Federal Ammunition Charge
By Tiffany WilliamsJuly 29, 2025 | Buffalo, NY A 29-year-old Kenyan national and lawful permanent resident was arrested earlier this month in Buffalo on a federal charge of unlawful possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. Aden Ibrahim was taken into custody on July 9 by personnel from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland … Continue reading Kenyan National and Convicted Felon Arrested in Buffalo, New York on Federal Ammunition Charge
Deported Salvadoran National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry in Massachusetts
By Tiffany WilliamsJuly 29, 2025 | Boston, MA A 44-year-old Salvadoran national previously deported from the United States has pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawfully reentering the country, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials confirmed. Arsenio Valladares entered a guilty plea on July 7 in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts … Continue reading Deported Salvadoran National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry in Massachusetts
Salvadoran National Convicted of Child Sex Crimes Taken into ICE Custody After Prison Release in New York
By Tiffany WilliamsJuly 29, 2025 | Ossining, NY U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers with the Buffalo Field Office arrested a Salvadoran national on July 23 following his release from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision in Ossining. Jacobo Argueta Fuentes, 33, was taken into custody pursuant to a warrant … Continue reading Salvadoran National Convicted of Child Sex Crimes Taken into ICE Custody After Prison Release in New York
Ivorian National with Nine U.S. Convictions Arrested by ICE Following Prison Release in New York
By Tiffany WilliamsJuly 29, 2025 | Comstock, NY U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested a 38-year-old citizen of Côte d'Ivoire on July 23 following his release from the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision in Comstock. Wahota Allassane Ouattara was taken into ICE custody by officers with the Buffalo Field Office. According … Continue reading Ivorian National with Nine U.S. Convictions Arrested by ICE Following Prison Release in New York
Gunman Kills NYPD Officer, Three Civilians in Midtown Manhattan Office Shooting Before Taking Own Life
By Tiffany WilliamsJuly 28, 2025 | New York, NY A gunman wearing body armor and armed with an M4 rifle opened fire inside a high-rise office building at 345 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan Monday evening, killing an off-duty NYPD officer and three civilians before turning the weapon on himself, police said. The suspected shooter, … Continue reading Gunman Kills NYPD Officer, Three Civilians in Midtown Manhattan Office Shooting Before Taking Own Life