Credit Card Late Fees Are Now Capped At $8

•  Today, The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) finalized a rule to slash credit card late fees from the current average of $32 down to $8, saving consumers $10 billion a year, or an average savings of $220 per year for the more than 45 million people who are charged these late fees annually. For too long, surprise and hidden late fees have burdened consumers. By closing the loophole that has allowed companies to charge these excessive late fees, today’s action will not only save consumers billions of dollars but promote fair and competitive markets. It builds off of steps the CFPB has already taken to crack down on junk fees in the banking sector, including fees for basic customer services and moving to curb overdraft fees and bounced check fees. In addition, the CFPB has found that credit card interest rate margins have climbed to an all-time high and big banks are charging more in interest than smaller banks.

Governor Hochul Sheds Light On Construction At Belmont Race Track

Governor Kathy HochulGovernor Kathy Hochul has announced a project timeline and additional updates on the construction of new thoroughbred racing facilities at Belmont Park, the Nassau County home of the Belmont Stakes. The New York Racing Association, which will oversee construction, released a series of architectural renderings to bring the project’s vision to life. Expected to be completed in Q3 of 2026, the multi-year project to build a new Belmont Park will generate $1 billion in construction-related economic impact and create 3,700 construction-related jobs. Following the return of thoroughbred racing to Belmont in 2026, additional racing and non-racing activities at the new facility will generate $155 million in annual economic output and produce $10 million in new state and local tax revenue per year. In 2023, Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget included a proposal for NYRA to modernize Belmont Park, and the FY2024 Enacted Budget granted that approval providing NYRA with a $455 million loan to build a world-class sports and entertainment destination in Elmont, New York.

“The redevelopment of Belmont Park is a critical investment in one of New York’s most historic sporting venues,” Governor Hochul said. “The new facility will support year-round racing, thousands of new jobs for Long Islanders and provide an enhanced experience for customers attending the iconic Belmont Stakes for generations to come.”

NYRA is committed to working with organized labor alongside New York State Certified Minority- and Women Owned (MWBE) and Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB) to construct a building that properly reflects the evolution of thoroughbred racing and wagering since Belmont was last renovated in the 1960s. Accordingly, NYRA will replace the existing 1.25 million sq foot structure with a roughly 275,000 sq ft building featuring the modern amenities and hospitality offerings sports fans now expect. As noted in the formal submission of materials from NYRA to the New York State Franchise Oversight Board (FOB), which can be viewed here, the demolition of the current Belmont Park grandstand/clubhouse is expected to begin in March and continue through early July. The new building will begin to take shape in early 2025 with the installation of structural concrete. The remaining elements of the building including the exterior façade, roof and sweeping canopy will be added throughout 2025.

As previously announced, the 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will be held at Saratoga Race Course for the first time in its 156 year history. The venue change will allow for uninterrupted construction of the new Belmont Park. Although Belmont Stakes Day on June 8 sold out in record time, tickets remain available for June 6,7 and 9.

NYRA has developed a project plan that will allow for the Belmont Stakes to return to Belmont Park in June of 2026 prior to the full opening of the new building, which is scheduled for September of 2026. Although a venue for the 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships has yet to be determined, the new Belmont Park will be complete and ready to host the 2026 Breeders’ Cup should the opportunity arise. The Breeders’ Cup has announced its commitment to add Belmont to the rotation of host venues following NYRA’s modernization of the facility.

Beyond the fan-facing improvements to Belmont, NYRA is committed to expanding its ongoing campaign to modernize the Belmont barn area and backstretch by building three new dormitories by 2026. NYRA will also make further investments to improve the quality of life in the backstretch community, including:

• Improvements to the on-site medical facility
• Installing a modern Blue Light security system
• Upgrading the Recreation Hall and Track Kitchen facilities
• Renovating the on-site Gymnasium
• Implementing new flood mitigation strategies
• Ensuring access to reliable Wi-Fi
• Replacing fencing throughout the backstretch
• Improving multi-modal travel through constructing bicycle storage sheds
• Assess the feasibility of subsidized assistant trainer efficiency apartments

The new Belmont grandstand, which is being designed by the well-known architectural firm Populous in conjunction with NYRA, will dramatically increase the amount of unstructured green space available to fans by reducing the overall footprint of the building. And because of the vehicular and pedestrian tunnels providing access to the 45-acre Belmont infield for the first time, the new Belmont Park will provide fans and the surrounding community with more open space than ever before. As the first ground-up racetrack construction to occur in the United States in nearly 40 years, the new Belmont Park will reflect the continued success of thoroughbred racing in New York State while reinforcing the property’s status as an internationally recognized capital of horse racing. 

While the new Belmont Park will have the same 50,000-person capacity as the existing venue, the layout of seats, suites, and standing spaces has been adjusted to accommodate flexible seasonal attendance. The addition of a winterized building paired with new racing surfaces and a synthetic track will result in a facility suitable to host thoroughbred racing on a year-round basis. As required by the 2024 Enacted Budget, NYRA will consolidate all downstate racing and training activities at the new Belmont Park to unlock 110 acres of New York State-owned land at Aqueduct Racetrack for development opportunities. 

About the New York Racing Association (NYRA)

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) holds the exclusive franchise to conduct thoroughbred racing at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State’s horse racing economy, which is responsible for 19,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in annual statewide impact

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta Hosts Annual Pet Food Drive

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta Hosts Annual Pet Food Drive

To Benefit Long Island Cares – The Harry Chapin Food Bank/Baxter’s Pet Pantry

William Gonyou, LI Cares Community Event and Food Drive Manager, (left) and Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.(Smithtown, NY)…Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta is participating in the 13th Annual Legislative Pet Food Drive Challenge to support Baxter’s Pet Pantry, a program of Long Island Cares. Since 2009, they have provided free pet food and supplies to individuals and families in need, in an effort to enable them to keep their pets at home instead of placing them in shelters.

Legislator Trotta pointed out that, according to Long Island Cares, dog and cat food are the most requested items by their member agencies. “I would be most appreciative if the generous residents and pet lovers in my district would help out,” said Legislator Trotta.

The pet pantry needs five, 10 pounds or larger bags of dog and cat food, canned and dry cat/dog food, cat/dog treats, birdseed, and food for fish, rabbits, and ferrets, as well as kitty litter and small new toys. Long Island Cares asks that all pet food be unopened, and in its original packaging.

The drive is from now until May 1. Donations are accepted at the district office of Legislator Trotta located at 59 Landing Avenue, Suite 1 (first office), Smithtown, NY. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9am until 5pm. For more information, please call his office at 631- 854-3900.

William Gonyou, LI Cares Community Event and Food Drive Manager, (left) and Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.

Police To Hold Vehicle Auction March 9th Check Out List Of Vehicles

Suffolk County Police To Hold Vehicle Auction

The Suffolk County Police Department Impound Section will hold an auction on March 9 at the department’s impound facility, located at 100 Old Country Road in Westhampton.

The auction will begin at 9 a.m. and will be held rain or shine. There will be a preview of vehicles on March 7 and March 8 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the impound yard. Vehicles will also be available for preview for one hour prior to the start of the auction on March 9.

More than 90 lots will be auctioned off including sedans and SUVs. All vehicles will start with a minimum bid of $500 and are sold as-is.

For a full list of vehicles, registration information and terms and conditions for the auction, visit www.suffolkpd.org and click on Impound Section and Vehicle Auctions.

Suffolk County Courts Celebrate Black History Month With A Grand Celebration

Suffolk Courts Close Out Black History Month With Grand Celebration

On February 22nd, the Suffolk County Courts concluded this year’s Black History Month celebration with a grand final event at the John P. Cohalan, Jr. Court Complex. Sponsored by the Amistad Long Island Black Bar Association and the Suffolk County Bar Association, the Court hosted a cultural ceremony in conjunction with the theme of this year’s celebration: “African Americans and the Arts.” The exciting event included speeches, an awards ceremony, and a special performance by the St. Anthony’s High School Step Team. A jubilant audience easily overcrowded the building’s ceremonial courtroom—a remarkable turnout that necessitated the quick creation of an overflow room.

District Administrative Judge Hon. Andrew A. Crecca District Administrative Judge Hon. Andrew A. Crecca welcomed the large audience and kicked off the celebration with opening remarks. “This program provides us a glimpse into the countless contributions and the lasting influence of the African American community on modern day art and culture,” said Administrative Judge Crecca. He added, “there simply is no denying the profound impact that it has had all around us. Today, we take a moment to think about just how significant and groundbreaking these contributions are and to give those people the recognition and celebration that they truly deserve.”

Additional speeches were offered by Family Court Judge Hon. Mary E. Porter, Amistad Long Island Black Bar Association President Alyson E. Bass, Esq., and Suffolk County Bar Association President Cornell Bouse, Esq. “African Americans and their artistic influence have soaked deep into the fabric of America, and their role is inextricably interwoven into our identity as a nation,” said Judge Porter, who is co-chair of the Court’s Black History Month Planning Committee. She added, “art, culture, fashion, language—it is all African American.” Simply, it’s just American.

Family Court Judge Hon. Mary E. PorterFurther, District Administrative Judge Crecca presented the Hon. Marquette Floyd Achievement Award to Patricia Waite, Esq., who is an Associate Court Attorney assigned to the Supervising Judge of the District Court. The award’s namesake—Marquette L. Floyd—was a distinguished jurist who became Suffolk County’s first African American District Court Judge in 1969, and then the first African American Supreme Court Justice in 1989. This award is given to a distinguished individual who not only serves as a role model in the courthouse, but who also stands as a trailblazer in the African American community.

True to the award, Ms. Waite is a prominent African American attorney who has dedicated her career to public service. Prior to her time in the Court, Ms. Waite was a criminal prosecutor in the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and also an attorney in both the Smithtown and Islip Town Attorney’s Offices, where she had been recruited in both towns as one of their first African American attorneys.

Family Court Support Magistrate Darlene Jorif-Mangane, who is the other co-chair to the Court’s Black History Month Planning Committee, then presented the Hon. Toni A. Bean Award to Betty Harris, a Senior Clerical Assistant in Surrogates Court. Judge Toni A. Bean served on the bench in the Suffolk County District Court from 2004 until her tragic passing in 2022, and she was a stalwart member of the local African American legal community.

Hon. Andrew A. Crecca and Planning Committee“Judge Bean was a force to be reckoned with, and this award was created to recognize individuals who demonstrate her same commitment to advancements in justice in the courts and in the community, ” said Support Magistrate Jorif-Mangane. Recipient Betty Harris is certainly deserving of this special recognition in light of her lifelong achievements. Ms. Harris, 76, has been faithfully serving the Court for 41 years and she has also impacted her community in so many ways. She has owned and ran a barbershop, operated a modeling group and coordinated fashion shows, volunteered with an ambulance company, and she sits on the leadership board of her local Baptist church.

To conclude the celebration, the St. Anthony’s High School Step Team performed some riveting step-dance routines. For a brief time, the young students transformed the Ceremonial Courtroom into a theatrical stage that provided rhythms of percussive beats, colorful expressions of song and dance, and the unescapable aura of African American culture. “Stepping is more than just a dance form,” said Annette Harris Hill, who has coached the team for the past 20 years. “It is a rich, deep tradition that has roots tracing back to Africa,” the coach added. She continued, “stepping served as a form of solidarity among the enslaved peoples who were forcibly taken from their homes. It was a powerful form of expression of resilience and unity.” Unsurprisingly, the students’ step performance was an electrifying show and it drew an explosive applause from the overcrowded courtroom.

After the ceremony, guests were treated to a lunch reception that was catered by Jamaica Grand Restaurant. All were able to enjoy a delicious ethnic cuisine while immersing themselves in an African American themed art exhibit that was on display as part of the celebration.

Suffolk’s 2024 Black History Month Celebration was a great success. For the first time, the Court hosted a series of events throughout February that each presented a unique way to celebrate Black History Month: a captivating art exhibit, a vibrant fashion show, a stirring educational lecture, and a grand ceremony. “Ironically, the true ambition behind our Black History Month program is to highlight the fact that we actually celebrate Black History all year long, not just in February,” said Administrative Judge Crecca.

Brooklyn Man Indicted For Sex Trafficking A Suffolk County Woman

BROOKLYN MAN INDICTED FOR SEX TRAFFICKING SUFFOLK COUNTY WOMAN

Michael Howell Allegedly Forced the Victim to Engage in Sexual Acts for Money

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Michael Howell, 64, of Brooklyn, was indicted for Sex Trafficking and other related charges, for allegedly forcing a Suffolk County woman to engage in sexual acts for money.

According to the investigation, from approximately September 2022 through February 2024, Howell allegedly forced the victim to engage in sexual acts with others for money throughout Suffolk County and in adjoining counties. Howell allegedly rented hotel rooms and posted advertisements of the victim on websites typically used to advertise sex for money. To gain control over the victim, Howell allegedly gave her crack-cocaine and heroin and would take any money from the sexual acts that she was forced to perform. When the victim refused to engage in sexual acts, Howell allegedly resorted to physical violence and threats to gain the victim’s compliance, including slamming her head into a wall.

During the time in which Howell allegedly maintained control of the victim, he also repeatedly told her that she owed him money for the drugs that he provided to her and for the hotel room that she stayed in. At the time of his arrest on February 1, 2024, Howell was allegedly found in possession of fentanyl and a large quantity of cocaine.

Howell was indicted for:

* One count of Sex Trafficking, a Class B violent felony;

* Three counts of Sex Trafficking, Class B felonies;

* One count of Promoting Prostitution in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;

* One count of Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree, a Class D felony;

* One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony;

* One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a Class C felony; and

* One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

On February 29, 2024, Howell was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis, who ordered him held on $1 million cash, $3 million bond, or $10 million partially secured bond, during the pendency of the case. Howell is due back in court on April 5, 2024, and he is being represented by Christopher Brocato, Esq.

Two Men Indicted For Arsons At PSEG Facilities And Commercial Burglaries

TWO MEN INDICTED FOR THREE ARSONS AT PSEG FACILITIES AND NINE COMMERCIAL BURGLARIES

Frank Costa and Jon Pucci Allegedly Set Fire to PSEG Long Island Substations to Facilitate Their Burglaries of Nearby Commercial Establishments

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Frank Costa, 54, of Port Jefferson Station, and Jon Pucci, 29 of Middle Island, were indicted for allegedly committing a series of three arsons and nine commercial burglaries at businesses throughout Suffolk County.

“These alleged criminal acts have not only caused extensive damage, but have also put the lives of Suffolk County residents and first responders at risk,” said District Attorney Tierney. “

According to the investigation, between August 20, 2023, and February 9, 2024, Costa and Pucci allegedly burglarized nine businesses and set fires at three PSEG Long Island (“PSEGLI”) substations. The defendants apparently believed the fires would cause power outages in the local community, which would distract law enforcement while Costa and Pucci committed the burglaries.

On February 10, 2024, at approximately 12:00 a.m., Suffolk County Police Department detectives followed Costa and Pucci to a PSEGLI easement in Centereach and placed them under arrest. While police searched the location, they discovered an ATM that was allegedly stolen from a Shell Gas Station in Ridge the day before. Money from the ATM was allegedly found in the defendants’pockets after their arrest.

The alleged arsons occurred on the following dates and locations:

* August 20, 2024 – PSEGLI Terryville Substation, 

* September 16, 2023 – PSEGLI Centereach Substation, 

* February 5, 2024 – PSEGLI Medford/West Yaphank Substation, 

The alleged burglaries occurred on the following dates and locations:

* December 11, 2023 – USA Gas, 1146 Middle Country Road, Middle Island.

* December 26, 2023 – USA Gas, 1146 Middle Country Road, Middle Island.

* December 26, 2023 – BP Gas, 1470 Middle Country Road, Ridge.

* December 29, 2023 – Gulf Gas, 240 West Main Street, Smithtown.

* December 31, 2023 – BP Gas, 3200 Veterans Memorial Highway, Bohemia.

* January 12, 2024 – Ideal Food Basket, 500 Jefferson Plaza, Port Jefferson.

* January 12, 2024 – DJM Laundromat, 1 Glenmere Lane, Coram.

* January 24, 2024 – Back Country Deli, 70 Horseblock Road, Yaphank.

* January 30, 2024 – Kings Park Car Care, 189 Main Street, Kings Park.

* February 9, 2024 – Shell Gas Station located at 1511 Middle Country Road, Ridge.

Costa and Pucci were each indicted for the following charges:

* One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony;

* Nine counts of Burglary in the Third Degree, Class D felonies;

* Three counts of Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree, Class D felonies;

* One count of Attempted Burglary in the Third Degree, a Class E felony;

* One count of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree, a Class E

felony; and

* Three counts of Arson in the Fifth Degree, Class A misdemeanors.

On February 27, 2024, Costa was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz, who ordered that Costa to be held on $150,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or $1million partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Costa is due back in court on March 19, 2024, and is being represented by Roger Rothman, Esq.3

Pucci’s case is pending. He is due back in court on March 12, 2024, and he is being represented by Pierre Brazile, Esq.

Centereach Man Indicted For Rape

CENTEREACH MAN INDICTED FOR RAPE

Arthur Oneal Allegedly Recorded Himself Raping a Woman While She Was Unconscious

Arthur Oneal Allegedly Recorded Himself Raping a Woman While She Was Unconscious(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Arthur Oneal, 36, of Centereach, was indicted for Rape in the First Degree and Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, for allegedly drugging and then raping a woman while he recorded the incident.

“Accountability for perpetrators of sexual abuse is not just a legal obligation, but also a moral one,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will do everything in its power to ensure that those who commit such heinous acts are held accountable, not just for the sake of justice, but to protect and empower survivors and to send a clear message that these crimes will not be tolerated in Suffolk County.”

According to the investigation, on December 9, 2023, Oneal allegedly brought the victim to his home in Centereach after drugging her with a sleep-aid while they were having drinks in Huntington. The defendant then allegedly sexually assaulted the victim until she lost consciousness. The victim later woke up in a bed next to Oneal and saw blood on the sheets. The victim went to a local hospital where a SANE examination was performed, which concluded that the victim had suffered recent sexual abuse. The Suffolk County Office of the Medical Examiner tested a sample of the victim’s urine, which revealed that Zolpidiem, commonly known as Ambien, was present. The victim did not voluntarily ingest Ambien at any time prior to the urinalysis.

During law enforcement’s investigation, detectives recovered videos and images from Oneal’s cell phone which allegedly depict the victim being sexually assaulted by the defendant while she was unconscious. Detectives also allegedly recovered bloody sheets and multiple pairs of women’s underwear from Oneal’s home.

On February 23, 2024, Oneal was arraigned on the indictment before County Court Judge, the Honorable Karen M. Wilutis, charging him with one count of Rape in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony, and one count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a Class D violent felony. Judge Wilutis ordered Oneal held on $500,000 cash, $1,000,000 bond, or $5,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. Oneal is due back in court on March 11, 2024, and he is being represented by Michael Elbert, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Aileen E. Iorio of the Major Crime Bureau with the investigation conducted by Detective Anthony Parenti of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Sixth Squad.

If you or someone you know believe you have been victimized by Arthur Oneal, please contact the Suffolk County Police Department, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

SC Attorney Arrested For Harassment Of Islamic Center Employee

SUFFOLK COUNTY ATTORNEY ARRESTED FOR HARASSMENT OF ISLAMIC CENTER OF MELVILLE EMPLOYEE

Jordan Endler, Esq. Allegedly Refused to Leave the Islamic Center After Being Asked to Do So and Only Left Once Police Arrived

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Jordan Endler, 46, of East Northport, an attorney based in Suffolk County, was arrested for Criminal Trespass in the Third Degree and Harassment in the Second Degree, for allegedly remaining in a mosque after being asked by an employee to leave and harassing the employee.

“I want to remind everyone that no matter what else is going on in the world, here in Suffolk County, we will not tolerate bias or hate. I want to thank the Muslim community for alerting us to this incident, so that detectives from our office and the Suffolk County Police Department’s Hate Crimes Unit can continue to investigate it,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that all Suffolk County residents feel safe in their houses of worship, regardless of their faith.”

According to the investigation, on February 21, 2024, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Endler knocked on the door of the Islamic Center of Melville and allegedly began questioning the employee who opened the door. Endler then asked the employee to come inside the mosque, and the employee let him in. Once inside, Endler allegedly began harassing the employee.

The employee asked Endler to leave the Center, but Endler allegedly refused, began yelling at the employee, and stayed inside the building until police arrived. Endler was arrested by the Suffolk County Police Department at his home on February 22, 2024.

On February 23, 2024, Endler was arraigned on one count of Criminal Trespass in the Third Degree, a Class B misdemeanor, and Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree, a violation, before District Court Judge, the Honorable Alonzo G. Jacobs. Judge Jacobs ordered Endler released on his own recognizance during the pendency of the case but issued an order of protection for the employee at the request of the District Attorney’s office. Under current New York State law, the offenses Endler is charged with are considered non-bail eligible. Endler is due back in court on April 3, 2024, and he is being represented by Bob Curran, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Emma Behrens of the Intake & Discovery Compliance Bureau.

Two IRS Employees Plead Guilty In COVID-19 Scam

TWO INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE EMPLOYEES PLEAD GUILTY IN COVID-19 SCAM

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Tina White, 36, of Bellport, and Shawana Williams, 45, of Centereach, each pleaded guilty to unlawfully receiving thousands of dollars for filing separate, fraudulent Small Business Administration loan applications.

“At a time where people were falling ill to COVID-19 and struggling financially, these two U.S. government employees abused a system designed to assist small businesses in order to line their own pockets,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I want to thank the United States Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration for working with my office to investigate and prosecute those who would steal taxpayer funds.”

According to the investigation and the defendants’ admissions during their guilty plea allocutions, on May 7, 2020, and July 6, 2020, respectively, White and Williams each filed COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications with the Small Business Administration in which they each claimed to be the owners of businesses in need of financial assistance due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

White claimed to be the Chief Operating Officer of an agricultural business, and Williams claimed to be the Chief Operating Officer of a medical services business. However, neither business existed. White received $6,000 and Williams received $4,000 as initial cash advancements while their respective loan applications were being processed. Both loan applications were ultimately denied, but White and Williams never returned the money they unlawfully received.

On December 21, 2023, Tina White pleaded guilty before Acting County Court Judge, the Honorable James McDonaugh, to Petit Larceny, a Class A misdemeanor. White paid restitution in the amount of $6,000, and was sentenced on December 21, 2023 to a conditional discharge.

On February 23, 2024, Shawana Williams pleaded guilty before Judge McDonaugh to Falsifying Business Records in the Second Degree and Petit Larceny, both Class A misdemeanors. She paid restitution in the amount of $4,000, and was sentenced on February 23, 2024 to a conditional discharge.

Both White and Williams were represented by Michael Brown, Esq. These cases were prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Katharine D’Aquila of the Public Corruption Bureau