UPDATE: Detectives report both missing juveniles were located.

Below is the original release.

(Long Island, NY) The Missing Persons Squad is investigating a missing juvenile that occurred on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at 7:30 a.m. in Inwood.

According to detectives, Gady Pozuelos, 12, was last seen leaving her Inwood home. She is possibly in the company of another missing juvenile, Jonathan Reyes, 15, also from Inwood who was reported missing on Tuesday, March 15, 2016.

Nassau County Police are seeking Gady Pozuelos, 12, missing juvenile from Inwood. Photo Credit: NCPD.

Detectives ask anyone with information regarding the above listed juveniles to contact the Missing Persons Squad at 516-573-7347 or call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.

Community Schools are a Bright Spot

(Long Island, NY) Today’s state budget agreement fails to address the fundamental educational inequities based on race and income that have plagued New York State for decades. The Foundation Aid formula had a small increase of $627 million, but schools are owed $4.4 billion in Foundation Aid, 77% of which is owed to high need districts. The Foundation Aid formula was established in response to the Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit to comply with the state constitutional requirement to ensure a “sound basic education” for all students.

“This budget fails to address fundamental educational inequality based on both race and income,” said Billy Easton, Executive Director for the Alliance for Quality Education. “The Foundation Aid increase simply does not come close to meeting the needs for the one out of two students living in poverty or to reversing the racial inequities that are entrenched in our educational system. We give Speaker Carl Heastie, Assembly Education Chair Cathy Nolan and the Assembly credit for fighting the good fight. We also wish to recognize Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes for leading the way in demanding high quality community schools.

“The final product simply does not get the job done. The one important exception is the community schools program. If the legislation gets the details right, it will provide an innovative reform that will make a massive difference in the lives of students and families,” said Easton. “Every year the state has another excuse for why it is not fulfilling its constitutional obligation to finance a ‘sound basic education’ for every child, and once again our children are the ones paying the price.”

For 10 years, education advocates have fought to ensure that the state comply with the Campaign for Fiscal Equity (CFE), the court case that ruled New York State was not providing students with their constitutional right to a “sound, basic education.” The Foundation Aid formula was intended to provide the schools in poor communities with the funding needed to address the huge inequities that exist in New York State’s schools. But the state only complied with the court order for two years.

“The education budget is a slap in the face to English Language Learners,” said Javier Valdes, Co-Executive Director of Make the Road. “These students need the extra resources in order to succeed in schools. But the state, by not making a clear plan to fund the Campaign for Fiscal Equity through the Foundation Aid formula, is telling these students and their families that their needs don’t matter. We appreciate the effort on the part of the Assembly and Speaker Carl Heastie who fought for this funding, but this budget for education is terribly disheartening. The one clear and important positive outcome is the community schools program which can be a difference maker in the lives of students.”

While there will be much attention paid to the total aid increase, which is at least $300 million less than the 2007 record increase of $1.77 billion, to understand the budget one must look at the targeting for high needs districts.  Most importantly the budget does little on Foundation Aid which primarily benefits high needs school districts.  The Gap Elimination Adjustment was fully restored, but this does next to nothing for most high need districts. For instance out of $434 million statewide Albany and Syracuse only receive about $50,000, Rochester less than $100,000, and small city Dunkirk in Western New York $5,352. The Assembly budget proposed a four-year phase in of full foundation aid, but both the Senate the Governor rejected such a plan.

Community schools are innovative schools that provide social, emotional and health supports as well as strong academics. There are two funding pots for community schools one of $75 million and another of $100 million, but the difference between these funding pots is unclear at this time.  There are reports that the $100 million may actually be part of foundation aid or another portion of the education budget. We await the details.

“The NYS Assembly proposals to fund community schools and My Brother’s Keeper are the kind of real investments we need in our schools,” said Zakiyah Ansari, Advocacy Director for the Alliance for Quality Education. “But they are not good enough without a plan to fully fund CFE.  When 50 percent of children live below the poverty line, fully funding CFE is the only plan that shows that Governor Cuomo and the state legislature are serious about addressing this state of emergency. We can’t keep talking about how Black, Latino and poor students are struggling and then sabotage any opportunities by choosing to ignore any serious commitment to Foundation Aid. Who will #StandUp4Kids for real?”

“Once again, the state has turned its back on our neediest schools and their students,” said Jonathan Westin, Executive Director for New York Communities for Change. “We strongly disapprove of the state’s continued underfunding of Foundation Aid. This budget is a travesty. It has been 10 years since the courts ruled that this funding is essential to our high needs schools. However, we are pleased with the progress made on community school funding, which is so desperately needed to turn around our struggling schools. We thank the Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie for all the effort that he and his members put into the support for community schools and their efforts to secure the Foundation Aid.”

“Funding for community schools has the potential to give students the educational opportunity they deserve. If these schools engage parents and address the needs of the whole community, then community schools are a proven way to put struggling schools on a path to success. I wish to thank Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes for being a champion for community schools,” said Karen Scharff, Executive Director, Citizen Action of New York. “Unfortunately, this budget fails at the fundamental priority of fair and adequate funding for schools in poor communities and communities of color because the foundation aid increase is simply too low. This is despite the fact that the Assembly and Speaker Heastie proposed a fair and reasonable plan to fund foundation aid at the constitutional level.”

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police today arrested a Commack man who was driving while high on heroin, and caused a motor vehicle crash after overdosing in Melville on Thursday, March 31.

Numerous drivers called 911 to report that the operator of a 2011 Subaru Forester was driving recklessly southbound on Broadhollow Road, south of Spagnoli Drive, at approximately 6 p.m. The Subaru traveled onto a sidewalk and struck a fire hydrant, which broke loose and struck a 2016 Land Rover that was exiting a parking lot onto southbound Broadhollow Road. The Subaru then struck the side of the Land Rover.

Suffolk County Police arrested Michael Amico, 51, of Commack for driving while high on heroin and causing a crash in Melville on Thursday, March 31. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The Subaru came to a rest on the sidewalk in front 610 Broadhollow Road, Melville, approximately 1500 feet from the original crash. When personnel from Melville Fire Department Rescue approached the Subaru, they observed the driver, Michael Amico, unresponsive due to an apparent overdose. The first responders administered Narcan and revived Amico, who was then transported for treatment of non-life threatening injuries at Huntington Hospital.

Three occupants in the Land Rover, an adult female driver, and her two young children, a boy and a girl who were seated in the rear, were not injured.

Amico, 51, of Commack, was charged with Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. He is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip 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) WeiserMazars LLP partner, James N. Kinney, becomes chair of the board, and Murphy Bartol & O’Brien Founding Partner Ernest T. Bartol and Northwell Health Vice President Terry Lynam are serving as senior vice presidents. Rounding out the executive committee is BigBuzz Co-President and CCO Kevin Kelly, serving as vice president.

Three community leaders will be serving their first terms as board members. They are: South Nassau Communities Hospital Senior Vice President Joe Calderone, Millennium Communications CEO Patrick Macri and Art-of-Form Architects Founder & Managing Director Ray Caliendo.

Board members renewed for the 2016-17 term include: Patrick Calabria, Vice President, Institutional Advancement and Enrollment Management, Farmingdale State College; Dolores Fredrich, Esq., Vice President for Legal Affairs & General Counsel, Hofstra University; Edward Guiliano, Ph.D., President & CEO, NYIT; Jeffrey S. Weir,Communications Director, PSEG LI and Christopher P. Wright, Managing Director, Protiviti.

Serving his second term as official Mascot and Secretary of Defense is Jive.

The Fair Media Council is one of the oldest, most successful media watchdog organizations in the country.

Founded in 1979, FMC is a 501c3 nonprofit organization serving the public interest in all matters relating to media. It advocates for quality local news, and works to create a media savvy society.

FMC is comprised of about 200 businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Signature events include April 22, 2016’s Folio Awards, honoring the best in news as judged by the public with a special Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Ernie Anastos; FMC Summer Social Media Boot Camp, which teaches organizations social media best practices for business; and Connection Day, the largest conference in the country to bring media and community together for a day of open dialogue, relationship building and mutual understanding. Boot Camp will be on July 15, 2016, and FMC Connection Day will be held Oct. 21, 2016.

(Long Island, NY) Community spirit, creativity, and determination were the main themes on March 30, 2016, when the Queens Economic Development Corporation’s Women’s Business Center gave 2016 Entrepreneurship Awards to a restaurant owner, a craftsperson, and the founder of a martial arts studio.

The hard-working Annette Runcie, who owns Pa-Nash Eurosoul Restaurant and Lounge, received the Phoenix Award. The Jamaican immigrant re-opened her Rosedale eatery in September 2015, after a quick-spreading electrical fire had destroyed it over Mother’s Day Weekend. In addition to providing upscale food, beverages, and entertainment, Runcie uses her venue as a community center, hosting monthly networking sessions and economic empowerment events. Between Pa-Nash and her nearby Golden Crust franchise, she employs more than 20 local residents.

Seen in photo are (from left) QEDC Women’s Business Center Director Andrea Ormeño, Annette Runcie, William Trevino (Selma’s husband. Selma was in Brazil with family.), and Nadira El Khang. Photo Credit: QEDC.

QEDC has helped Runcie with everything from getting city licenses to branding to promotion.

The E-Commerce Award went to Nadira El Khang. This Morocco native makes customized, handmade leather bags that she peddles via her Etsy webpage and at markets. Business is booming, and she sells about two bags a week with orders from as far away as Canada, France, and Mexico. She actually learned her craft as a young girl while helping her father, who ran a knick-knack store in the famous Jemaa El-Fnna marketplace in Marrakesh.

El Khang, who lives in Jamaica, sought out QEDC’s Women’s Business Center in 2012 and attended roughly 20 sessions with various counselors. She got help designing her logo, business card, and a banner she uses on her website. She also learned how to register her company, NadiraBag, and get a tax identification number.

Selma Tevino won the Family Business Award. The native of Brazil operates 69th Lane Studio with her husband, William Trevino. Located in Maspeth, this family-friendly center offers a variety of classes and private sessions in yoga, martial arts, Pilates, and holistic health. The venue also hosts monthly workshops with guest speakers and practitioners, as well as collaborating with local schools and the Maspeth Chamber of Commerce.

Trevino periodically meets with QEDC Business Services Director Sante Antonelli to discuss marketing and business strategy.

QEDC’s Women’s Business Center helps female entrepreneurs start and grow companies. Services include one-on-one counseling, training courses, workshops, mentoring, loan orientation, and networking.

(Long Island, NY) U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice released the following statement today after reports that Nassau County has abandoned plans for an electronic gambling parlor at Belmont Park, and will instead transfer its authority to install 1,000 video lottery terminals (VLTs) to Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens.

Statement from Representative Kathleen Rice:

“I’m very pleased to learn that county and state officials have reached a deal to keep this casino out of Belmont while ensuring that Nassau County still gets our share of the revenue generated by these machines. Based on the details that have been reported, this strikes me as a fair deal for the county, for taxpayers, and most importantly for the people who live in this community and whose children go to school right next to Belmont Park. Residents, community leaders and elected officials made it clear that we weren’t willing to bet the future of our communities on the success of a casino at Belmont, especially with the casino at Aqueduct just a few miles away. This agreement shows that we didn’t have to make that bet, that we can benefit from gambling revenue without opening a new facility in Nassau County, and that’s a win for all involved. I’m grateful to all the residents who came together and made their voices heard on this issue, I hope to see the deal finalized in the state budget agreement, and I look forward to exploring new opportunities for real, community-based economic development at Belmont Park.”

Rep. Rice’s previous statement opposing plans for an electronic gaming facility at Belmont Park is available here.

(Long Island, NY) The Adelphi University Performing Arts Center (AUPAC) is proud to announce that Shawn Mullins will be performing on Friday, April 8, 2016, at 7:30 p.m. on the Westermann Stage of the Concert Hall at 1 South Avenue, Garden City, NY.

An Atlanta-based folksinger best known for his Grammy-nominated Top Ten hit “Lullaby,” Shawn Mullins was serving as a member of the U.S. Army Airborne Infantry Division when he released his first self-titled cassette in 1989. Mullins’ discography includes 1998’s Soul’s Core, the album that shot him to fame on the strength of “Lullaby,” 1999’sThe First Ten Years, and 2006’s 9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor, which contained his AAA/Americana No. 1, “Beautiful Wreck.”

Andrew Mullins Photo. Photo Credit: David McClister.

In addition, Mullins was the co-writer of “Toes” the Zac Brown Band’s No. 1 country song in 2008. He is known for his romantic nature and each night, he imbues his music with all his romantic insights and all the passion he has in his heart.

AUPAC is one of Long Island’s premier cultural arts venues for entertainment of all kinds. Tickets are currently on sale and are priced at $40/$35, with discounts available to seniors, students and alumni. For more information about all events at AUPAC and to purchase tickets, visit aupac.adelphi.edu. Information is available at the Lucia and Steven N. Fischer Box Office at 516.877.4000 or boxoffice@adelphi.edu. Regular box office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 1:00–6:00 p.m.The box office is also open two hours before most scheduled performances.

About Adelphi: A modern university with deep roots
Adelphi University is a nationally ranked, doctoral research university offering exceptional liberal arts and sciences programs and professional training with particular strength in its Core Four—AU Arts and Humanities, AU STEM and Social Sciences, AU Professions, and AU Health and Wellness.

Founded in Brooklyn in 1896, Adelphi was one of the first coeducational institutions of higher education in New York State and is Long Island’s oldest private coeducational university. Today Adelphi serves nearly 7,500 students from 38 states and 46 countries at its beautiful main campus in Garden City, New York—just 23 miles from New York City’s cultural and internship opportunities—and at dynamic learning hubs around the state (New York City, the Hudson Valley and across Long Island) and online.

More than 100,000 Adelphi graduates have gained the skills, knowledge and exposure to thrive as professionals and active citizens in an interconnected and fast-paced global society, making their mark on the University and the world beyond.

Our history, location and commitment to student success and academic excellence define the Adelphi Advantage.

Arbor Concrete Corp. And Its Principal Kenneth Padover Allegedly Failed To Pay $268,055.78 In Benefits To Workers For A Construction Project At JFK Airport

(Long Island, NY) Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman and Michael Nestor, the Inspector General for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (“Port Authority”), announced the arrest of Kenneth Padover, the owner of Arbor Concrete Corp. Padover and his company face 136 felony counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing and Falsifying Business Records and 3 misdemeanor counts of Failure to Pay Wages. Mr. Padover was arrested early this morning outside of his Dix Hills residence and is expected to be arraigned today at Queens County Criminal Courthouse. A felony complaint was filed today in court. Arbor Concrete Corp. and its principal Kenneth Padover allegedly failed to pay $268,055.78 in benefits to workers for a construction project at JFK Airport

“My Office will not sit idly by when New York workers are cheated out of their health benefits, vacation pay and potential pension income,” said Attorney General Schneiderman.  “Government contractors who fail to pay the legally required wages or benefits must be held accountable and my office will continue to prosecute employers who do not pay workers everything they are lawfully owed.”

Port Authority Inspector General Michael Nestor said, “Firms doing business with the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PA) are legally bound to pay their employees the required prevailing wages and benefits. Here, however, the defendant allegedly chose to enrich himself at the expense of his own workers. This arrest will serve notice to all contractors that the PA will not tolerate wage fraud or any other criminal misconduct on public projects. The PA Office of Inspector General and its Law Enforcement partners will aggressively identify, investigate and bring to justice those who corrupt the integrity of the construction industry.”

According to the Felony Complaint filed by the Office of the Attorney General, Arbor Concrete Corp.’s employees worked at the Delta Airlines Terminal at John F. Kennedy Airport between June of 2013 and October of 2014 on a project installing security bollards to aid in the control of the direction of road traffic at the airport. Security bollards seek to prevent cars and trucks from getting too close to passenger terminals.

The project was governed by the Davis-Bacon Law, which requires the payment of “prevailing wages,” as well as “supplements” such as insurance, pension contributions, or other benefits, or their cash equivalent, to employees performing federally funded construction projects. The Port Authority contract also required payment of prevailing wages as a condition of the contract. Prevailing wage laws seek to ensure that government contractors pay wages that are comparable to the local norms for a given trade.

The defendants were required to submit certified payroll records with the Port Authority, in part, to demonstrate that they had paid the required prevailing wages and benefits as a condition to being paid for work completed. The complaint alleges that while the defendants filed certified payroll records in order to secure money to cover their billings, the supplemental benefits were never paid.

Specifically, Mr. Padover is accused of filing 68 certified payroll records with the general contractor and with the Port Authority indicating that over the 16-month life of the project, Arbor Concrete Corp. was routinely paying the required supplemental benefits to the union welfare funds for Laborers Local 66 and Carpenters Local 290, which represented the employees on the project.  Investigators for the Port Authority Inspectors General’s Office, who are charged with insuring compliance with state and federal laws, conducted an investigation and determined that the certified payroll records on file were allegedly false in that Padover and Arbor Concrete Corp. allegedly failed to pay the $268,055.78 in required benefits as sworn in its certified payroll records.

All charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Port Authority Inspector General’s investigation was conducted by Supervisory Police Investigator Robert Ward of the PA OIG, under the supervision of Steven Pasichow, Director of Investigations, Salvatore Dalessandro, Assistant Director of Investigations and Jeffrey Schaffler, Police Investigative Manager.

Attorney General investigators working on the case were Melissa Kaplan, Brian Metz, and Supervising Investigators Luis Carter, as well as Deputy Chief Investigator John McManus. The Attorney General’s Investigations Division is led by Chief Investigator Dominic Zarrella.

The criminal case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney Richard Balletta, the Attorney General Labor Bureau’s Criminal Section Chief, with the assistance of Stephanie Swenton, the Deputy Bureau Chief of the Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau. The Labor Bureau Chief is Terri Gerstein. The Executive Deputy Attorney General for Social Justice is Alvin Bragg and Kelly Donovan is the Executive Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice.

New tips hotline created for residents to report drug activity

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police Commissioner Timothy D. Sini announced a new initiative aimed at reducing drug activity in Suffolk County during a press conference today at Suffolk County Police Headquarters in Yaphank.

As part of a redirected approach to fighting drug abuse in Suffolk County, a new tips hotline has been created for residents to report suspected drugs sales and drug activity in their neighborhoods. Residents are encouraged to call anonymously to 631-852-NARC to report information about drug dealers within their communities. That information will be vetted by a member of the Criminal Intelligence Unit and then dispersed to either Narcotics Unit detectives or precinct personnel depending on what information is reported.

“This hotline is going to help forge a true partnership between the Suffolk County Police Department and the public,” Suffolk County Police Commissioner Timothy D. Sini said. “We are asking the public’s help to fight this scourge and with the public’s help, we can make a real difference.”

Tipsters who provide information leading to arrests will be entitled to cash rewards thanks to a partnership with Suffolk County Crime Stoppers. Tipsters may remain anonymous even if they wish to receive a reward. The new hotline will be staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to accept information.

“If you see something, say something and Suffolk County Police will do something about it,” Commissioner Sini said.

To report a crime anonymously, call 1-800-220-TIPS or text “SCPD” and your message to CRIMES (274637) or visit www.tipsubmit.com. You may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000 if your tip results in an arrest.

(Long Island, NY) The Fifth Squad reports the arrests of two males for Robbery that occurred on Monday, March 28, 2016 at 3:45 PM in Valley Stream.

According to detectives, a 16 year old male victim was walking with a friend on Haven Avenue when a late model Nissan Maxima approached the victim from behind. When the vehicle stopped, two male subjects exited, punched the victim in the face and demanded property.

Nassau County Police reports the arrest of Joshua Hayes, 16, and Chidinma Ochi, 17, both of Valley Stream, for Robbery that occurred on Monday, March 28. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The subjects then took the victims’ I-phone 6 and fled the scene in an unknown direction. The victim was transported by private vehicle to a local hospital for treatment of his non-life threatening injuries.

After an investigation, on March 30, 2016, detectives arrested defendant Joshua Hayes, 16, at his residence in Valley Stream. Defendant Chidinma Ochi, 17, of Valley Stream surrendered to the Nassau County Police Department on March 31, 2016.

Defendants Hayes and Ochi are being charged with Robbery 2nd Degree and will be arraigned on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at First District Court, Hempstead.

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.