Hello there!
We’re almost done with this week, so you know what that means: another edition of The Allegedly List.
We’ve got updates on the Manhattan District Attorney Office’s investigation into Trump’s business dealings—and details on misconduct in the law enforcement world. There’s a lot more, of course. Without further ado, let’s get to our weekly roundup of New York City’s crime and courts news.
The Allegedly List
Jacob “Yanky” Daskal, who founded Borough Park’s Shomrim, was hit with a Brooklyn federal court indictment for allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl in two states, prosecutors said Thursday. The 62-year-old was first charged almost three years ago in Brooklyn Supreme Court for allegedly abusing this same victim—but the feds’ indictment means he could face way more years behind bars if convicted. The judge in his federal case ruled that Daskal would be released on $4.5 million bond, backed by five properties and signed by eight family members. For those who aren’t familiar, Shomrin is an Orthodox Jewish crime-patrol association linked to the New York Police Department’s 66th Precinct. Via New York Post
New York Attorney General Letitia James will investigate sexual harassment claims against Governor Andrew Cuomo. He formally referred the allegations to James on Monday, a decision that spurs an inquiry into the longtime pol. Three women have recently come forward with allegations of inappropriate behavior; when Cuomo made this decision, the third accuser hadn’t yet come forward. Via The Washington Post
The prosecutors in Manhattan D.A. Cy Vance’s office who are probing Donald Trump and his family businesses are focusing on his company’s longtime CFO. They’re asking people questions about Allen H. Weisselberg’s dealings at the Trump Organization, according to a report. The intensified look at Weisselberg could increase pressure on him to help prosecutors if they found that he’d done anything wrong. Via The New York Times.
There’s more legal drama for the Trump clan, as we’ve come to expect: Donald Trump Jr. is poised to be deposed in the lawsuit over Michael Cohen’s legal bills. Remember, Trump’s former fixed wants his ex-boss to pay for legal costs that relate to his decision to cooperate with authorities. During a Manhattan Supreme Court hearing Tuesday, it was revealed that another Trump son, Eric, was already deposed in Cohen’s case. Via New York Daily News
Several New York City jail guards filed suit against the Department of Correction over Covid-19 risks on Saturday, alleging that authorities “purposefully” misdiagnosed inmates and staffers—going so far as to use flawed thermometers that provided low temperature readings. The correction officers’ Manhattan Supreme Court lawsuit claims that they had to work without proper protective gear, and “in some instances [were] prohibited from wearing masks.” “The defendants act of misdiagnosing and purposefully failing to diagnose infected persons and track and trace inmates and staff breached the defendants’ duty of care,” the lawsuit claims. Via New York Post
The 75th Precinct’s commanding officer is being moved to a lower-profile post following a campaign from area activists; inspector John Mastronardi will be transferred to the Chief of Detectives’ office sometime this month, according to Graham Rayman’s report Monday. Mastronardi, who’s been on the force 21 years, was criticized for his handling of a fight—that was captured on video—between civilians and his officers about mask rules. Mastronardi was alleged to have pushed a detained person’s head against the sidewalk in this incident. Via New York Daily News
More than $2 million in seized bank assets will fund the Manhattan D.A.’s new initiative that aims at helping young New York residents escape sex trafficking, his office announced Monday. “The Phoenix Project” aspires to help sex trafficking survivors, and those at high risk of being victimized by commercial sex traffickers, for young persons from age 12 to 21. The project will work by “helping survivors obtain housing, health care, and education,” Vance said. Via New York Daily News
Mike Sisak gave us an update Thursday on Civilian Complaint Review Board records. The CCRB’s database on disciplinary complaints against NYPD cops has been posted, in the wake of an appeals court decision that lifted a stay on releasing them. Take a look at those public records here.
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