Day: November 5, 2008

BROOKLAWN TO BEGIN NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

A Neighborhood Watch Program is in the works and all Brooklawn residents are invited to participate and learn what can be done to help make the program a success.

Neighborhood watch is a safe and effective way to not only help neighbors but to support the police officers in keeping the neighborhoods safe.

Block by block, the program can be utilized to safely put \”eyes and ears\” around town. Resources are available to make the program work but participation is needed. Everyone is urged to take an active interest in the program.

 

For more information, please contact Earl at 742-8923.

Related articles by Zemanta

This post was imported from a legacy archive. Please excuse any formatting inconsistencies.

Dirty Business Mob-Infested Trash Industry Cleaned Up

FBI Media Release 11/04/08  

 

\"Garbage
A total of 33 people have pled guilty in a long-term investigation into crookedness in trash hauling.

He was dubbed the \”trash czar\” by the media—James Galante, businessman and majority owner of 25 trash companies that controlled about 80 percent of the trash, or carting, industry in Connecticut and parts of eastern New York.

But earlier this summer, Galante’s reign ended when he pled guilty in federal court after a long-term multi-agency investigation of wrongdoing in the waste-hauling industry. Thirty-two others—including Galante’s employees, his accountant, a silent partner with ties to New York organized crime, and a high-ranking member of the Genovese crime family—were also charged in the case and have all pled guilty. 

Galante was operating what’s known as an illegal \”property rights system\”—when carting companies affiliated with organized crime groups assert they have a monopoly over certain \”stops,\” or customer accounts (mostly commercial and municipal customers in this case). These companies collude with one another to divvy up the stops, fix prices, and rig contract bids. They also pay a so-called \”mob tax\” to keep their piece of the action.

The result is a loss of competition and higher prices for customers. And woe to the carting companies that try to compete legally in this type of marketplace. They find their trucks and other equipment vandalized, their employees threatened or assaulted by mob muscle, and their economic livelihood at stake.

Our case began in February 2003, after Galante sent a threatening note to another trash company over a disputed contract. The company contacted our New Haven office, and we decided to introduce an undercover agent into the mix. Our agent started working as the victim company’s \”strategic marketing planner,\” with oversight over new trash hauling contracts that put him in direct contact with Galante and his people. Later, our undercover agent was actually hired by Galante as a salesman.

\"Mug
Mug shot of Galante

During the operation, which also included extensive use of court-authorized wiretaps, we discovered more than 40 refuse companies working within the property rights system. We identified links between Galante’s enterprise and organized crime. We collected mounds of evidence against Galante and other members of his criminal enterprise. And because we intercepted phone calls containing threats against individuals and companies, we were able to warn intended victims.

Public corruption also reared its ugly head. For a property rights system to work, a criminal enterprise needs the help of corrupt local government and/or law enforcement officials. And so it was in this case—also charged were a former mayor, a federal drug agent, and a Connecticut state trooper who unlawfully accessed our National Crime Information Center database to check a license plate for Galante.

Special thanks to our partners who worked with us on this case—the Ansonia, Milford, and New Haven police departments; the Connecticut State Police; the Connecticut Department of Corrections; the Internal Revenue Service; the Department of Labor; the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Marshals Service.

Part of Galante’s plea agreement involves the full forfeiture of his companies, which were valued at up to $100 million. The federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies who worked with us will be receiving millions of dollars in forfeiture proceeds. And one other note: because of the case, a new state agency in Connecticut now oversees the refuse hauling industry and requires background checks on trash companies.
Related articles by Zemanta

This post was imported from a legacy archive. Please excuse any formatting inconsistencies.

Mayor and Council Looking Into Ways to Solve Juvenile Problems

By Sara Martino

NEWS Correspondent

GLOUCESTER CITY-\”The Community Development Office and the Police Department may already be putting a package together that will help to solve some problems regarding juvenile behavior,\” Mayor William James said to residents at last week\’s City Council meeting.

One resident presented pictures of damage done by some youths, and complained that when the police are summoned the offenders run away.

Several of the incidents have occurred in the area of Ridgeway and Atlantic Streets, neighbors said.

\”Kids are skateboarding after dark, and mostly without helmets, in the Park,\” Betty McNamee said.

Louisa Llewellyn said that skateboarding on the tennis and basketball courts will result in damage of the finish.

\”We have called the police 15 to 20 times especially when we hear un-godly noises coming from one home after 1 am,\” one neighbor said. \”The police seem to be aggravated with us when we call.\”

Mayor James agreed that skateboarding on the tennis and basketball courts will do a lot of damage. He said he will let the Police Chief know about the concerns.

City Council approved a resolution authorizing an interlocal services contract between the City and the Gloucester City Board of Education. This agreement will allow the placement of a police officer in the school system.

Council also okayed a resolution allowing the City to properly fence properties that have not complied with notices from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and other state enforcement agencies.

A lien from the City will be placed on the property for the fence work.

Marina user fees were discussed concerning berth rentals, ramp fees, etc. Councilman Nicholas Marchese said there is an increased use of the marina.

\”We have seen several large boats docked there. It is pretty impressive and seems to be working well,\” Mayor James said.

A second reading on a vehicle and traffic ordinance will be heard on Monday, November 20, at 8 p.m. If approved, this will allow one-way traffic, easterly on Cumberland from King Street to Westminster.

Mayor James said an application from Com-merce Bank is going before the Planning Board for permission to locate in Gloucester City.

\”The bank is also awaiting approval from the State Department of Transportation,\” he said.

Bills were paid from September 26 to October 15 in the amount of $829,331.91, and bills approved on October 23 for $375,291.28 were approved to be paid in the amount of $1,204,623.19.

Related articles by Zemanta
  • Gloucester City Government Work Session Agenda
  • Once Again Gloucester City Taxes Will Increase
  • Letters: Riverview Heights Residents Alarmed over Teen Parties

This post was imported from a legacy archive. Please excuse any formatting inconsistencies.