Detectives on the scene declined to answer reporters questions about why the men were entering the home, who shot them, how many shooters opened fire, or what led to the bloodshed. Eleanor Ingersoll, president of the Queen Village Neighbors Association who has lived adjacent to South Street for 23 years, told Billy Penn that shootings dont scare her away from South Street, but they are concerning. Shortly before 10 p.m., however, police said it was still unclear what actually happened. Two former state representatives, Democrats Leslie Acosta and Vanessa Lowery Brown, won reelection after their criminal convictions but resigned Acosta in December 2016, Brown in December 2018 under pressure from their House colleagues. Marie Beren, 67, is the third person charged in an election-fraud conspiracy case prosecutors say was led by former U.S. Rep. Michael "Ozzie" Myers. long list of politicians who have been convicted, convicted with Dougherty on bribery charges. California residents do not sell my data request. The investigation was also conducted by the U.S. Outlaw said that includes working more with federal officials, and now reassigning officers from specialized units to provide what she refers to as a force multiplier to have more cops on the streets in high-crime areas. Ive been here my entire life and Im ready to leave. Nobody wants to hear that. The neighborhood logged 51 victims over the 7-year period from 2015 to 2022, while hotspot areas of the city like Kensington and Feltonville saw 70+ shootings each year. He ran for sheriff in 2007 as a Democrat. A few used the incident to connect District Attorney Larry Krasners policies around misdemeanor offenses to increased gun violence. Email tips@billypenn.com. Four years later, that same consultant recruited Beren to serve as a judge of elections for the 39th Wards second division, the judge of elections essentially being the person in charge of a polling place during the primary and general elections. In Myers case, despite the seriousness of the allegations, prosecutors have not alleged that the votes purportedly added by Demuro and Beren in South Philadelphias 39th Ward were enough to tip the balance in their district, let alone the city, in favor of Myers preferred candidates. In 2015, the New Jersey carpenters union poured $700,000 into a super PAC that backed Jim Kenney, who went on to win the primary. Its happening more and more, Nick Battiste said. Throughout 2016 and 2017, LCN members allegedly collected debts from loans that had annual interest rates as high as 156 percent to 400 percent. Bland is not believed to have played a role in any of the shootings part of the joint investigation. Former U.S. Rep. Raymond Lederer was the only member of Congress indicted for Abscam to win reelection in 1980. WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyones stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. Norcross camp has said theres no evidence he meddled in that race. The restaurant-filled blocks of Sansom Street from 18th to City Hall had 100 reports for the same year. Montgomery County District Attorney's Office. The guest list included Camden Mayor Vic Carstarphen, former Camden Mayor Dana Redd, and notably, ex-state Senate President Steve Sweeney, long one of the most powerful political figures in Jersey. Associates are men who engage in criminal activity on behalf of LCN but who have not been formally made, either because they are up-and-coming and aspire to full membership, or because they are ineligible to be made because they lack fully Italian ancestry. The purpose of the LCN in Philadelphia and elsewhere is to make money through the commission of various crimes, including illegal gambling, loansharking, drug trafficking, and extortion. Pence, DeSantis and more confirmed or potential 2024 The other four blocks along the corridor saw decreases. Nope, another fake Citizen alert, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. According to the feds, Beren perpetuated the voter fraud in a variety of ways. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS iframe.src = iframe.src; If you're a human and see this, please ignore it. Myers, the court filings say, would drive her to the polling site on Election Day and advise her which candidates should have their vote totals padded. Four won and four lost. A 6-year-old was shot and lost his dad in one night. The defendants charged in the seven-count superseding indictment are Steven Mazzone, aka Stevie, 56; Domenic Grande, aka Dom, Mr. When we have things like public urination, defecation, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, and noise violations and you dont see police pursuing it that has quickly translated into You can do what you want on South Street with no accountability, she elaborated. Two men were killed as they entered a rowhouse in South Philadelphias Passyunk Square neighborhood Monday afternoon. Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security, Lower Merion Township police and Upper Merion Township police. Love Philly? from 29-year-old Chase Smith of Upper Darby, Pa. That arrest led them to a large-scale methamphetamine drug trafficking organization that operated in the Philadelphia region, along with parts of New Jersey, Maryland and West Virginia, the DA's office said. Twenty-five guns, more than $135,000 in cash and several other drugs were also seized during the takedown. Philadelphias former district attorney spent much of his career investigating corruption and other illegal activity. Last year, prosecutors accused Myers of paying another South Philly election judge to pad vote totals in his ward on behalf of candidates he was representing. Im more worried about these low-level crimes creating a wellspring where everything goes, Ingersoll said, arguing that city departments need to work together to monitor how bars, clubs, and BYOBs are enabling crime with lax policies around drinking. While crime is generally low on South Street, reports of violence are especially rare, accounting for only a handful of incidents each year. Whats working? Its an enormous loss, mostly of young Black men. Prosecutors say it was Myers who recruited Beren, nearly three decades ago, to serve both as a Democratic committeeperson representing South Philadelphia and the judge of elections for the 39th Ward, 2nd Division. The number does appear to have ticked up in recent years. The district attorney's office in Montgomery County, Pa. announced the results of a year-long investigation on Tuesday. As executive director of the South Street Headhouse District, Harris works with approximately 450 area businesses to improve community and business relationships. Arabia and Bucceroni were charged with a single count of cocaine distribution. More than 90 packages were found to have matched the pattern of this drug organization, the DA's office said. Then he ran for the DAs Office and put millions of dollars into his campaign but has not invested one dime in this city.. Alex Murdaugh, the former South Carolina lawyer who is in jail for life for the killing of his wife and son in 2021, was charged with two counts of tax evasion by a state grand jury. A superseding indictment was unsealed today against 15 defendants, including alleged members and associates of the South Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey-based criminal organization La Cosa Nostra (LCN), popularly known as the mafia or mob. The superseding indictment charges various crimes including racketeering conspiracy, illegal gambling, loansharking, extortion, and drug trafficking. Intercept Letters Go Out in South Philly on Federal Probe of Alleged Mob Connected Loansharking Operation. From 2015 through 2022, 48 of the neighborhoods 51 shooting victims were Black. Former U.S. Rep. Michael Ozzie Myers was still the Democratic nominee in his district in 1980 as he sought a third term just three months after being convicted on bribery charges. Other areas populated by bars and restaurants also experience small quantities of weapons-related infractions, even when they see higher rates of overall crime. As was the case with him, she was charged by way of a criminal information, instead of an indictment, typically a sign that a defendant has already agreed to plead guilty. There are too many people that have made pleas saying, Look, I want to feel safe. Your donation supports our mission to connect Philadelphians to useful and fun information, and to one another. Even accounting for the June shooting that killed 3 and left 11 injured, Queen Village is not on pace to become a gun violence hotspot. Together we can reach 100% of WHYYs fiscal year goal. Other news articles warned people to stay away from South Street and Philadelphia entirely out of safety concerns. Authorities say the shootings were fueled by a feud between two rival gangs. }, 2000 );
By rule, a made member of LCN must be male and of 100% Italian ancestry.. Philadelphia Mayoral Candidate Guide: Derek Green, Philadelphia Mayoral Candidate Guide: Maria Quiones Snchez, Philadelphia Mayoral Candidate Guide: Cherelle Parker, This search result is here to prevent scraping, How Philly Cheesesteaks Became a Big Deal in Lahore, Pakistan, The Most Bizarre Moment from Last Night's Philly Mayoral Debate. In 20 indictments containing 101 charges, Murdaugh is accused of scheming to defraud victims of $8,789,447.77 and the state of South Carolina of $619,391, Wilson said in a statement. Evans has been extradited to Montgomery County, officials said. There were seven murders in the first four days of 2022, the same amount compared to this time last year. An attorney for Myers did not return a request for comment. U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Scenes from the wet and wild 2023 Broad Street Run, Wilmington Latin American Community Center expands, Climate change report: New Jersey could see more dry and drought-like conditions. From 2017 to 2018, only the 400 block of South Street saw a small increase in the total number of incidents. King says Beren is no longer employed by Squillas office. The men were found with numerous gunshot wounds inside a property on the 1600 block of South 10th Street, police said. According to court documents, the Philadelphia LCN is one of a number of LCN organized crime families based in various cities throughout the United States. As of 2019, Queen Village was just over 70% white, while South Street has a long, separate history as a hub for Black activism, commerce, and entertainment. According to data from the U.S. Department of Justice, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, which encompases a large swath from Philadelphia to Allentown, sits at No. Business owners in the South Street Headhouse District have their own set of safety worries, said Harris, the SSHD executive director. We have to be agile and we have to be willing to be introspective and look at whatever our original plan was, where we need to make tweaks, reorganize and restructure if need be, she said. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 2 plead guilty for roles in shooting outside Pat's King of Steaks. Theres a discount code for 25% off your first Philly Foodworks order. Send it to The Daily Beasthere. Made members and associates who break Omerta are looked upon unfavorably as rats and may be targeted for death by other members of the group. Some people want to whitewash their business corridor, she said. Former President Donald Trump's bid for public office while under indictment is unprecedented in most places. Across the area, crime rates briefly rebounded in 2019 but then dropped after the pandemic hit in 2020. Now, a lack of consensus between residents and business owners is shaping conversations about crime and safety and ultimately who the neighborhood is for. Former State House Speaker John Perzel, a Northeast Philly Republican who rose to power during three decades in office, lost his bid for reelection in 2010 while under indictment on corruption charges. I dont know if the tragedy can be tied to a specific business, said Mike Harris. These allegations are an encouraging sign that our partners in law enforcement continue to investigate and prosecute voter fraud at polling places, as theyd done in the past in conjunction with our office, said Philadelphia City Commissioner Al Schmidt, whose office oversees all elections in Philadelphia, when reached for comment on Wednesday morning. Chicago Bears: Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina 65. The 400 block of South Street in June 2022, as a hub for Black activism, commerce, and entertainment. clearInterval(timerId); Read the news of the day in less than 10 minutes not that were counting. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Philadelphia mayoral candidate Cherelle Parker has started consolidating support from some top Democrats in the city and now, apparently, from across the Delaware River. Their priorities are dealing with shoplifting and staff getting harassed, he said. Updated Jun 27, 2022. Over the past 7 years, the South Street business corridor averaged 191 crime incidents annually, which is similar to other stretches of nightlife in Philly. Web205-921-5556. At the time of the charges, Beren was serving as a staffer for Philadelphia City Councilmember Mark Squilla. He also agrees to commit violence on behalf of LCN if necessary, the filing adds. Against that backdrop, anti-violence activists called Thursday for more resources for violence intervention and prevention programs, saying law enforcement is just one part of the solution for reducing the bloodshed. Ingersoll, of the QVNA, claims the presence of ATVs and rowdy bar patrons on South Street precipitated the shooting that occurred in June. When an early June altercation on South Street spiraled into a shooting that killed three people and wounded 11, national news outlets played up concerns the areas nightlife was encouraging violence. Theyre everywhere.. WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyones stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. Harris believes frequently-cited safety concerns can often conflate real tragedies like the recent shooting with minor inconveniences that are expected of a busy commercial area. Have a news tip or press release? (The government doesnt make clear how she knew they wouldnt show up.) The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Alexander Gottfried of the Criminal Divisions Organized Crime and Gang Section Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Ortiz of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. But the new occupant does have a Pa. connection. (6abc). As such, there is zero tolerance for corruption of the electoral process.. As alleged in the superseding indictment, on Oct. 15, 2015, defendants Steven Mazzone, Grande, and Salvatore Mazzone participated in a making ceremony (as detailed above) in a South Philadelphia residence, during which several new soldiers were inducted into the Philadelphia LCN. The superseding indictment describes the various acts allegedly committed by the defendants and others as members of the group including the distribution of heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine and oxycodone pills; the disbursement and collection of tens of thousands of dollars of unlawful bookmaking and other debts owed to the group at interest rates as high as 400 percent; and even an alleged conspiracy to kidnap or murder a drug dealer in order to protect the reputation of the Philadelphia LCN after the dealer sold members of the group fake drugs. Police investigate at a crime scene in October, 2021. Some headlines in the wake of Junes South Street tragedy, which happened on a busy Saturday evening, compared it to mass shootings in Chattanooga and Buffalo with zero acknowledgement of how often physical violence in Philly escalates into gunfire. Crisler served as interim sheriff in 2021. And according to the federal government, Beren continued to effectively run all three divisions located at the Seafarers Union Hall from 2015 through at least 2019 even though she was no longer officially in charge. Krasner recaps a very rough week of gun violence in Philly, After some recent improvement in gun homicide numbers, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner says this past week was very rough., New details emerge in shooting death of 8-year-old girl at Academy Park High School football game. Mazzone is also accused of conspiracy to make extortionate extensions of credit and conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act extortion alongside multiple other defendants for each charge. She owns Marsh + Mane, a natural hair care store on the corner of 4th and South that specializes in Black beauty products. I cant remember the last time weve seen something like this, he said. On Thursday, police arrested four men Haneef Wilkins, Eric Woodard, Aquil Collins and Javaun Parris on the street. Suspect in custody after shooting on SEPTA train in West Philadelphia. Myers went back to federal prison last year on a bribery and ballot-stuffing beef. More than 500 people have been shot so far this year fatally or non-fatally. The corridor experienced a small uptick in violent crime during 2021, with 7 total incidents that year. Per Billy Penns analysis, shootings in the Queen Village neighborhood tend to happen in two places. Twenty-Three Gang Members Charged in Crackdown on South Bay Heroin, Methamphetamine and Firearms Traffickers Thursday, May 27, 2021 For Immediate Release U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of California Assistant U. S. Attorneys Matthew J. Sutton (619) 546-8941 and Adam Gordon (619) 546-6720 NEWS RELEASE It wouldnt be the first time that Jersey power dipped into a Philly mayoral election. He noted that the house next to the crime scene was on the market for $750,000. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Before it was a Pa. dairy farm, the company had roots in N.J. Theres lots of options, but you gotta be strategic. Outlaw defended her work despite recent public criticism. He believes most of what residents and outsiders know about South Street is anecdotal. A block-by-block review can be key to understanding whats actually going on, especially since speculation has gradually pitted Queen Villages majority white and affluent residents against a business district that has long welcomed a diverse array of storefronts and patrons. Starting in 2010, Beren also effectively presided over two other divisions the 11th and 16th when their polling places were combined at Seafarers Union Hall at Fourth and Shunk Streets. Also arrested Thursday were Eric Woodard, 24; Javuan Parris, 24; and Aquil Collins, 25, according to Krasner. She retired from the council office in September a move that was unrelated to the criminal investigation, Squilla said. Philadelphia Eagles (from Arizona): Sydney Brown, S, Illinois Meyers sometimes directed Beren in the middle of Election Day to shift her efforts from one of Myers preferred candidates to another if Myers concluded that his first choice was comfortably ahead, authorities said. In 2020, a former election judge in the same South Philadelphia ward pleaded guilty to accepting bribes from a consultant to add fraudulent votes on Election Day. And, the indictment adds, alleged mobster Victor Big Vic DeLuca, 56, made implicit threats to another unidentified borrower about what would happen if he failed to repay the loan with 400-percent interest. And we have to do away with the waste, the fraud and the abuse of dollars going on in this office.. On Wednesday morning, Berens name still appeared online as a staffer in Councilmember Squillas office, and an email sent to her at her City of Philadelphia address didnt bounce back. by Jeremy Roebuck and Sean Collins Walsh Published Oct 13, 2021 A former staffer for City Councilmember Mark Squilla was federally charged Wednesday with Brown, and Dom14, 41; Joseph Servidio, aka Joey Electric, 60; Salvatore Mazzone, aka Sonny, 55; Joseph Malone, 70; Louis Barretta, aka Louie Sheep, 56; Victor DeLuca, aka Big Vic, 56; Kenneth Arabia, aka Kenny, 67; Daniel Castelli, aka Danny, Cozzy, aka Butch, aka Harry, age 67; Carl Chianese, age 81; Anthony Gifoli, aka Tony Meatballs, 72; John Romeo, 58; Daniel Malatesta, 75; Daniel Bucceroni, 66; and John Michael Payne, 33. He pleaded guilty in 2011, served a prison term and is now a lobbyist. For parklets near the El, Fishtown is transforming safety barriers into benches and art, A new era begins for Eyes Gallery as it reopens on South Street, Bridge repairs force 2-year detour behind the Art Museum, trail users say probably for the better, Philadelphia is getting ready to install its first municipal public restroom. The remaining five defendants are charged with allegedly committing a variety of other offenses, including conducting an illegal gambling business, conspiracy to make extortionate extensions of credit, and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, in partnership with other members and associates of the Philadelphia LCN. In 2015, Beren stepped down as judge of elections to became a poll watcher. All Rights Reserved. A superseding indictment unsealed today reveals how members and associates of the Sicilian Mafia organization La Cosa Nostra, ages 33 to 81, worked to reclaim territory in Atlantic City by extorting local bookmakers and loansharks and distributed cocaine, oxycodone, heroin, fentanyl, and other illegal drugs. Court filings accuse her only of adding 10 to 15 fraudulent ballots per election. WebHenon, convicted with Dougherty on bribery charges in 2021, is due to start serving a 31/2-year federal prison sentence in 10 days. The boom cars, the loud noise, the things that agitate the neighbors a lot Sometimes, thats just South Street, he said, noting that managing a busy public area can provide its own set of challenges. WebApril 27, 2023. Prosecutors say that these fraudulent votes were cast for candidates at every level of government, from municipal to state to federal. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY). Chicago Bears: Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina 65. Year to Date Through 04/24/2023. The free WHYY News Daily newsletter delivers the most important local stories to your inbox. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY). Social justice groups UDTJ and Delco Resists plan a rally to coincide with a hearing for one of two teens whose shots did not kill the 8-year-old. Its an indication of it being caught when it occurs.. Businesses around Philly use sidewalks as parking lots, but rarely face penalties. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner will join a rebuilding team with first-year head coach Frank Reich, who previously led the Indianapolis Colts. The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years. Everyone, it seems, wants to see the street become safer for all to enjoy, but theres little agreement over what constitutes danger in the first place. After 562 people were murdered in the city in 2021, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw vows to bring that number down this year.. Thats unprecedented in most places. In April, a federal grand juror indicted former the former interim Crisler on one count connected to taking bribes in exchange for personal favors during his time in office and one count of knowingly selling ammunition to a convicted felon, in violation of federal statute. }, 2000 );
There was some chatter in 2015 that George Norcross, the insurance executive and South Jersey Democratic Party boss, was involved in the pro-Kenney effort. Then he ran again for another position as a Democrat. WHYY thanks our sponsors become a WHYY sponsor. Philly ends 2021 with over 550 people murdered. Read the Michael Ozzie Myers superseding indictment: Former U.S. Rep. Michael "Ozzie" Myers, photographed in 1976. a larger case involving former U.S. Rep. Michael Ozzie Myers, paying another South Philly election judge to pad vote totals, California residents do not sell my data request. The resulting hoagie spanned three blocks and caused some traffic issues. Police have arrested nine men allegedly responsible for a series of retaliatory shootings that took place between 2016 and 2020 in West and Southwest Philadelphia. const timerId = setInterval( function() { She allegedly cast fraudulent votes herself in place of voters she knew wouldnt be coming to the polls. The alleged leaders of the drug trafficking organization were identified as Tyrone Baker, 29, of East Lansdowne; Shakeem Johnson, 27, of Philadelphia; Joshua Quiles, 31, of King of Prussia; Jhamir Winans, 21, of Exton; and Ricky Evans, 28, of Los Angeles. The impact will be felt well beyond the family. Henons sentencing has been set for Feb. 22, according to 6ABC, and Doughertys The allegations against her are tied to a larger case involving former U.S. Rep. Michael Ozzie Myers, who rose to prominence during the 1970s Abscam scandal and now works as a political consultant. Get your daily rundown of Philly happenings in less than 10 minutes, Philadelphia local news: Neighborhoods, politics, food, and fun, Get Philly smart with BPs free daily newsletter. He resigned later that year after his conviction and returned home from prison to become a Democratic ward leader in Fishtown. Billy Penns analysis did not show any correlation between the frequency of infractions like disorderly conduct and weapons-related incidents.