(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) will host a free Identity Theft Seminar on Thursday, April 14 at 7 p.m. at the Merrick Library. The seminar will focus on spreading knowledge regarding identity theft, why it is the fastest growing crime in America, and ways to prevent becoming a victim. McDonough will be joined by a representative from Nassau County Consumer Affairs who will be available to answer questions.

“As part of my ongoing public safety campaign, I am excited to once again host a free identity theft seminar to inform and protect my constituents,” McDonough said. “Unbeknownst to many people, daily activities as harmless as online shopping or using an ATM can leave you vulnerable to identity theft. Rates of victimization usually spike around tax season as many people file taxes online. Please join us for a free seminar on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from identity theft.”

WHEN: Thursday, April 14, 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Merrick Public Library, 2279 Merrick Avenue, Merrick

(Long Island, NY) Senator Thomas Croci (R-C-I, Sayville) announces the New York State Senate has passed the Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law.

The bill (S3891) is sponsored by Senator Michael Nozzolio of Seneca Falls and proposes to amend the Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law to expand the existing medical coverage to include cancer of the digestive, hematological, lymphatic, urinary, prostate, neurological, breast and reproductive systems that result in the partial disability of death to a volunteer firefighter. The bill recognizes that overexposure to smoke and toxic fumes increase the risk of firefighters’ contracting these types of cancers.

Senator Thomas Croci announces the NYS Senate has passed the Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law. Photo Credit: NYS.

Senator Croci said, “Our volunteer firefighters have taken on the admirable responsibility of risking their own health and safety in order to keep us safe in our homes and in our communities. Their profession puts them in contact with toxic fumes, among other dangers, and therefore, their medical coverage should logically include those potential medical hazards that could affect their health.”

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.

All media inquiries should be directed to Senator Croci’s Communications Specialist, Christine Geed at (631) 398-8044 (call or text) or via email at geed@nysenate.gov.  Inquiries for additional information should be directed to Senator Croci’s Press Secretary, Jennifer Romero at (631) 513-5657 or via email at jromero@nysenate.gov.

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Dean Murray (R,C,I- East Patchogue) hosted a press conference today to highlight the need to fix laws pertaining to the sex offender registry to help keep our children and communities safe. Since the start of 2016, some level one sex offenders have been removed from the registry, while a State Appeals Court decision last year removed all local restrictions on where convicted sex offenders may reside. He was joined by his Assembly colleagues and Paul Alonzo, Program Manager of Parents for Megan’s Law.

“In February 2015, a State Court of Appeals decision overturned all local laws that restricted where sex offenders can reside and since the beginning of this year, level one sex offenders have begun dropping off of the sex offender registry,” said Murray. “That is why I have introduced legislation (A.8503) that tackles both of these issues. This bill will extend the amount of time that level one offenders must be on the sex offender registry from 20 to 30 years and will allow local governments to set reasonable restrictions as to where sex offenders may reside.”

Assemblyman Dean Murray hosted a press conference on the need to fix laws pertaining to the sex offender registry. Photo Credit: NYS.

Megan’s Law created the sex offender registry 20 years ago. Parents for Megan’s Law has been advocating for all those affected by sexual predators. Laura Ahearn, Executive Director, represented by Program Manager Paul Alonzo at the press conference, emphasized the need to fix this law immediately.

“Parents and community organizations across New York are no longer able to fully determine if someone has sexually victimized a child or an adult because thousands of offenders are dropping off the registry,” said Ahearn. “What is most frightening is that your child’s soccer coach, baseball or softball coach, summer camp counselor, or even the local Mall’s Santa could be a convicted sex offender, and you would never know.”

The bill is being carried by Sen. Michael Venditto (R- Massapequa) in the state Senate (S.6066) and is currently being held for consideration in the Assembly Corrections Committee. For those who are looking to help, please visit FixTheLawNow.com and sign the petition calling on state leaders to take action.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police have arrested a teenager for spray painting a Farmingville business with bias graffiti earlier this month.

Based on information provided by Sixth Precinct Police Officer Keith Murphy, Hate Crimes Unit detectives arrested a 17-year-old Farmingville female for spray painting a swastika and bias graffiti on the outside of Corner Deli and Café, located at 711 Horseblock Road, sometime between April 3 and April 4.

Suffolk County Police have arrested a teenager for spray painting a Farmingville business with bias graffiti. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The teen, who was charged with Making Graffiti, was released on a field appearance ticket and will be arraigned at a later date.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

(Long Island, NY) Marine mammal trainers from the Long Island Aquarium are thrilled to announce that two team members will be traveling to California to the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute (CIMWI) to assist with the ongoing California Sea Lion stranding crisis.

For the past three years, biologists have noticed an increase in sea lion pup strandings resulting in malnourished, exhausted and dehydrated sea lion pups on California beaches.  Scientists believe this is happening because their food sources are moving to cooler waters further off the coast, their nursing mothers are unable to feed on good quality fish and produce adequate milk, thus resulting in premature weaning. The pups are too young to sufficiently fend for themselves and wind up on shore and in need of serious help.  Fortunately organizations such as CIMWI can provide the help these pups need, but they need additional resources as well. The Long Island Aquarium is ready to send some helping hands with two senior marine mammal trainers.

Nicole Izzo MacDonald, Jenna Mercurio. Photo Credit: Long Island Aquarium.

On April 11, Nicole Izzo MacDonald headed west to offer her help caring for these rescued pups. “I’m so incredibly excited to have the opportunity to give back to an animal species that has taught me so much.  Sea lions are the animal that led me to my career, my passion, and the peril that they are facing has motivated me to further educate my friends, family, and the public about them and the issues they face.”

A rescued sea lion pup. Photo Credit: CIMWI .

MacDonald was part of the transport team who traveled to Santa Barbara two years ago to received Nila, a pup who had been rescued and deemed unreleasable.  Nila is now a thriving two year old and part of the Long Island Aquarium’s Sea Lion family, along with their two 14 year old pinnipeds, Java and Bunker.  MacDonald said “Nila, our rescued sea lion from CIMWI, has been the perfect animal ambassador in New York to represent her wild counterparts.  Being able to aid CIMWI, Nila’s own rescue facility, in this crisis is so amazing.  I feel as though I owe it to CIMWI to help as much as I can as they have helped save over a hundred sea lions this year alone.  Their dedication is inspiring.  Their level of care is inspiring.  CIMWI is truly a port in the storm for these animals and I can only hope to help them as much as they have helped these animals I love so much.”

Nicole Izzo MacDonald. Photo Credit: Long Island Aquarium.

Jenna Mercurio will offer her help and travel to CIMWI on April 18. In anticipation of her visit she stated “By educating the public through our presentations I am able to indirectly help their species’ survival by informing the public about their biology, status and issues surrounding the species. I am extremely grateful to now be given the opportunity to directly support and help CIMWI by volunteering my time and experience to aid in their rescue and rehab efforts of the animals in their care.  It’s amazing to be able to work with Nila, a rescued animal from this horrible crisis, and even more incredible that I can now directly help the cause and the facility that has done such amazing work!”

Biologists agree that this year’s El Nino status has added to the existing stranding crisis.  Sea lion mothers have to travel farther to find sardines and anchovies and their pups are going several days without feeding. The pups become dehydrated and their conditions deteriorate rapidly. Although the El Nino season is ending, they don’t anticipate this crisis ending soon. Scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said “we expect repeated years with malnourished and starving sea lion pups.” Fortunately organizations like CIMWI are there to help and can count on assistance from marine mammal caretakers like MacDonald and Mercurio.  To find out how you can help CIMWI, check out their website at: www.cimwi.org. To help marine animals here on the east coast go to www.riverheadfoundation.org.

About Long Island Aquarium
This privately-owned aquarium features one of the largest all-living coral reef displays in this hemisphere, a 120,000-gallon shark tank, year-round sea lion shows, numerous touch tanks, butterflies from all over the world, and more than 100 exhibits and interactive experiences, including Butterflies, Bugs& Birds, Shark Dive, Penguin Encounter, Pirate Snorkel, Shark Keeper, and more! Located in Riverhead, on the east end of Long Island, guests are encouraged to learn about what lives within the local waters, with exhibits showcasing local flora and fauna, as well as exotic, tropical displays.

Named a Top 10 Aquarium for Children by Parents Magazine, Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center is open daily 10:00am to 5:00pm year-round (Closed Christmas & Thanksgiving Days). You can add to the fun with an overnight stay at the waterfront Hyatt Place Long Island/East End located adjacent to the Aquarium property.  For more information, please visit www.LongIslandAquarium.com.

(Long Island, NY) Kristen Campo of Middle Island, a Suffolk County Community College student and math whiz, was selected by the New York State Mathematics Association of Two-year Colleges Scholarship Committee (NYSMATYC) for The Dan Dodway Memorial Scholar award, the group has announced.

The Dodway award is one of the highest scholarships given annually by the group.

The Dan Dodway Award – a $1,000 scholarship — recognizes a top student with an interest in teaching mathematics.

Dodway was a professor of mathematics at Broome Community College who served as NYSMATYC’s 21st president. NYSMATYC awards are granted annually to mathematics students in New York State who expect to transfer from a two-year college in January or June and who plan to continue their studies in mathematics or a related field.

The awards were formally announced on Friday, April 8, 2016 at the NYSMATYC Annual Conference in Kingston, NY.

Campo will attend Stony Brook University in the fall to study mathematics.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Community College graduate Quinn Favilla had not planned on attending college at Suffolk.

Favilla’s plan included wrapping up a successful senior year at East Islip High School where she had excelled both academically and athletically as a member of the track team and then to attend one of the many college’s she had been accepted to that were offering her considerable scholarship money.

In Favilla’s grand plan, she would attend Binghamton University and run Division 1 track after her 2012 high school graduation.

Then fate intervened. A running injury caused Favilla to rethink where should would attend college.

“It didn’t make sense to spend the money, go into debt, and go away to a D1 school and not be able to do what I originally was going away for,” Favilla said. “Plus, I still needed to see a doctor for my injury, and needed physical therapy. My dad convinced me to go to Suffolk for a year and try it out.”

It was at Suffolk that Favilla acquired a love of math and ultimately was awarded the Frey Family Foundation Scholarship that paid for her continuing studies at Stony Brook University where she is now a senior finishing her degree in Applied Mathematics and Statistics and interning at a computer technology company in Manhattan.

Favilla recently met Robert Frey of Port Jefferson, who will be honored by Suffolk County Community College at its annual Salute to Excellence Gala on May 5.

Favilla was overjoyed to meet the benefactor whose scholarship allowed her to continue her studies. The Frey Family Foundation Scholarship awarded to mathematics majors provides $20,000 per academic year to deserving students.

“The scholarship has provided nearly $270,000 in awards since 2004 to 30 students,” said Sylvia A. Diaz, Ph.D., LMSW, executive director of the Suffolk Community College Foundation.

“You not only helped me financially,” Favilla told Frey, “but you reminded me of what it feels like to be a winner again. Your scholarship helped me pay for my entire first semester at Stony Brook University, freeing me up to work and save for my senior year, and now I am debt free. Awarding me that scholarship reminded me of what it felt like to be a success in something after putting in hard work, determination and effort. After I got injured, I didn’t know if I’d ever get that winning feeling again and it felt good. You reminded me that I can achieve anything I set my mind to and work hard to achieve it, and I carried that over with me to Stony Brook University, where I’ve continued to work, learn and succeed. Suffolk was, and always will be, considered the building block to the start of my success,” Favilla said.

“Despite being one of the most affordable colleges in New York, the Suffolk Community College Foundation awarded nearly $600,000 in scholarships and aid to students last year. The annual gala helps raise a significant amount of the funds the foundation awards through merit and need-based scholarships,” Diaz said.

Suffolk Community College Foundation’s Annual Salute to Excellence Gala 2016,Suffolk County Community College: The Bridge to Opportunity is on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at the Hilton Long Island in Huntington. Tickets and information are available at: https://sunysuffolk.thankyou4caring.org/events/salute-to-excellence-gala or by contacting Renee Ortiz at 631-451-4321.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police have arrested a Centereach man for damaging 19 red light cameras throughout Suffolk County.

Between April 9 and April 10, Stephen Ruth cut wires and manipulated equipment on 18 red light cameras within the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Precincts.

Suffolk County Police have arrested Stephen Ruth, 43, of Centereach for damaging 19 Suffolk County red light cameras. Photo Credit: SCPD.

Ruth also cut down a red light camera pole at County Road 83 and Old Town Road in Coram on January 18.

Preliminary estimates put the damage at a cost of a minimum of $25,000 with additional cost evaluation to be completed.

Major Case Unit detectives charged Ruth, 43, with two counts of Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree, a Class D Felony. Ruth was held overnight and scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court on April 12.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Tips Offered To Protect Consumers Against Investment Frauds

(Long Island, NY) To continue National Financial Literacy Month, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today cautioned New Yorkers to be vigilant in protecting themselves against investment scams and released a list of tips for investors to use to protect themselves from financial fraud.

“Everyone is at risk of falling victim to financial fraud, so it is vital that we all know the steps to take to avoid these scams,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “I urge all New Yorkers to educate themselves about investing and to report suspected instances of fraud to my office.”

Each year, the Office of the Attorney General investigates and prosecutes numerous investment scams targeting New Yorkers.  Recently, those cases have included:

• In February 2015, Attorney General Schneiderman announced the felony conviction of Khawaja Saud Masud, 37, of Jersey City, NJ, for stealing over $1 million from his great-uncle and great-aunt by fraudulently soliciting them to invest in his purported hedge fund, RKS Capital, LP.  Masud pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree and Securities Fraud under the Martin Act, both Class E felonies.  In exchange for his plea, Masud must pay a total of $500,000 in restitution.  As a result of his conviction, Masud also faces deportation.
• In June 2015, Attorney General Schneiderman shut down an unregistered investment scheme that violated New York’s Martin Act.  The purported “investment club” was operated by Byron Pierre, a resident of Queens County.   Pierre used Craigslist postings to direct victims to his website, which purported to advertise a real estate-related investment.  In fact, Pierre did not purchase any real estate for the investors with the money he solicited.   Pierre signed an Assurance of Discontinuance, agreeing to permanently stop selling securities.  Pierre also agreed to return all of the money he had solicited from investors.
• In December 2015, Attorney General Schneiderman announced the conviction of Moazzam Ifzal Malik, a.k.a. Mark Malik, 33, of Lahore, Pakistan, for stealing over $800,000 from investors by fraudulently soliciting them to invest in his purported hedge funds, including Seven Sages Capital, L.P. and Wolf Hedge LLC.  Following a two-week trial in New York County Supreme Court, the jury convicted Malik of all counts charged in the Attorney General’s 28-count indictment, including Grand Larceny and Securities Fraud.  Malik was sentenced to 5 to 15 years in prison.
• In February 2016, Attorney General Schneiderman announced the convictions of William Vogt, a resident of Orange County, on felony charges in both Ulster County and New York County, for posing as internationally renowned fashion designer “Bill Bolland” to lure victims into making more than $400,000 in investments. Instead, Vogt stole the monies and used them for personal expenses.  Vogt pleaded guilty in New York County Supreme Court to Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class “C” felony.  In December, Vogt previously pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a Class “D” felony, in Ulster County Court.  Vogt faces up to 12 years in prison on both cases.
• Also in February 2016, Attorney General Schneiderman announced the conviction and sentencing of Frederick E. Monroe, Jr., 59, of Queensbury, New York, for stealing over $5 million from investors by fraudulently soliciting them to reinvest their retirement monies.  In December 2015, Monroe pleaded guilty in Albany County Court to Scheme to Defraud, Grand Larceny, Money Laundering and Securities Fraud for luring clients with whom he had established relationships over his 20-year career as a financial planner, and then diverting their monies for his own personal use, as well as to pay back earlier investors he had defrauded. Monroe was sentenced to up to 5 1/3 to 16 years in prison.

Tips for Investors

Based on the investment scams targeting New Yorkers that the Attorney General’s Office has investigated, Attorney General Schneiderman released tips that will help investors recognize and avoid potential scams and protect themselves from financial fraud:

• Ask questions. It is important to ask questions of anyone who is trying to sell you an investment product, and not to invest until you are fully satisfied that you understand what you are buying.  In particular, make sure that you understand all of the fees and commissions that you are being charged or that you may be charged in the future.  For example, in addition to upfront fees, there may be surrender fees should you need to withdraw your money.  In addition, make sure that you fully understand the risks associated with the investment.  Investing involves risk, and the higher the potential return, the greater the risks investors are typically taking.  Investments that purport to be “risk-free” or that “guarantee” large returns are often scams.
• Check registration. Before investing, ask whether the financial professional is licensed with the appropriate authorities.  The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) maintains a website called BrokerCheck (finra.org) where you can look up the registration status, certifications, and employment history of brokers and investment advisory firms.  BrokerCheck also lists prior complaints and regulatory actions.  You can also call the Attorney General’s Investor Protection Bureau (212-416-8222) for further information about financial professionals.
• Check references. A legitimate financial professional will be happy to get you in contact with other clients.  Ask those other clients about their experience, including their ability to withdraw funds when needed.
• Get a second opinion. It is often a good idea to have someone else – such as an attorney, accountant, or trusted family member or friend – review an investment recommendation before you invest.  They may see a red flag that you miss.
• Get it in writing.  Make sure that you are provided with all offering documents and prospectuses related to your investment.  Written documentation is not proof that an investment is legitimate, but you should not invest with a financial professional who refuses to put his or her promises in writing.  In addition, make sure that any written documentation that you receive includes a clear explanation of the fees and commissions associated with the investment.
• Don’t be rushed. A legitimate salesperson will not try to force your hand.  Legitimate financial products do not disappear overnight, and you should take the time you need to make a sound investment decision.  A salesperson who says that “you must act now” may be trying to hide something.

Attorney General Schneiderman reminds New Yorkers that in addition to being vigilant investors, they should also report suspected instances of fraud to his office.  Investors can learn more about how to file complaints by visiting www.ag.ny.gov or calling 1-800-771-7755.

(Long Island, NY) Senator Ken LaValle is requesting nominations for induction into the NY State Senate Veteran’s Hall of Fame.  The Hall of Fame is designed to pay tribute to the men and women of New York who selflessly served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Senator LaValle said, “Each year at this time, we take this opportunity to recognize the distinguished service of one of our notable men or women in our Senate District, who so admirably gave back to our country.  We are very fortunate to have so many potential nominees to choose from for inclusion in the Hall.  It is my hope anyone who is aware of a special veteran submits a nomination for consideration.”

The Senate will honor a distinguished veteran from our area and throughout the state on Tuesday May 24^th  during a ceremony in Albany.  Each honoree’s photograph and biography will become part of a special on-line exhibit proclaiming the contributions of these exemplary New York Veterans and in a printed book to memorialize their status.

The New York State Senate Veteran’s Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans from the Empire State who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life. Their meritorious service to our nation deserves the special recognition that only a Hall of Fame can provide, as a fitting expression of our gratitude and admiration.

In order to nominate an individual for the Hall of Fame, visit the Senator’s web page at HERE and click on the link above the photo to download the form.   The information needed will be a biography; high-resolution photograph; nominee’s rank and at the time of discharge or end of service, as well as military awards, honors, or achievements.  In order to be considered, please submit the forms and related information by Monday, April 25, 2015.