In 2015, Beren stepped down as judge of elections to became a poll watcher. But with the race wide open with six weeks to go and two candidates capable of self-funding their campaigns, any help even if from across the river is surely welcome in Parkers camp. Deputy Commissioner Joel Dales said there are three main causes for the homicide rate: arguments, drugs, and domestic violence. For comparison, the blocks of Walnut Street between 11th and Broad that house much of the Gayborhoods nightlife experienced 204 incidents in 2019. Recorre nuestra galera de productos.Cuando encuentres un producto de tu preferenciaclickea en "Aadir"! Learn more about Social Responsibility at WHYY. City Commissioner Al Schmidt, a Republican who sits on the board that oversees Philadelphia elections, kick-started the investigation that led to the charges against Myers, Demuro, and Beren by making a referral to law enforcement after his office noticed statistical irregularities in vote totals from the 39th Ward. The DA's office said the investigation began in March 2021. According to Philadelphia magazine, Marie Beren, 67, faces federal charges for participating in a voter fraud scheme from 2015-2019. wants to spend on the Philadelphia Police Department. No evidence has surfaced of widespread voter fraud that has swayed any recent election. Investigators say one of the defendants would ship drugs from Los Angeles using UPS, FedEx and the US Postal Service. A call placed to Berens South Philadelphia home went unanswered. Haneef Wilkins, charged with three counts attempted murder and two counts Person Not To Possess Firearms, for one shooting incident; Eric Woodard, charged with one count homicide, four counts attempted murder, and three counts Person Not to Possess Firearms, for three shooting incidents; Hopkins, Mr. Across the area, crime rates briefly rebounded in 2019 but then dropped after the pandemic hit in 2020. 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. 3 men jailed for gun, drug ring. 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. Indictments Intercept Letters Go Out in South Philly on Federal Probe of Alleged Mob Connected Loansharking Operation. And we have to do away with the waste, the fraud and the abuse of dollars going on in this office.. Ive been here my entire life and Im ready to leave. Nobody wants to hear that. Suspect in custody after shooting on SEPTA train in West Philadelphia. The ongoing investigation has targeted a total of 15 men. I dont feel safe. Beren also allowed voters at the polling place to cast ballots for relatives who did not plan to vote and encouraged them to support Myers candidates, prosecutors contend. Michael Dickinson of South Philly Charged in Capitol Riots Montgomery County District Attorney's Office. Nearly $2 million of that total would go to a pair of violence prevention programs and a grant program designed to support community-based anti-violence groups. 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. The shooting happened just before 8 a.m. on the Market-Frankford Line at 52nd Street. 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. As the feds put it, Beren was the de factojudge of elections for all three divisions. Former South Philly Judge of Elections Charged in Voter Fraud Scheme, Cast Fraudulent Votes at All Levels of Government. Violent crime is exceedingly rare on South Street, despite Ingersoll, of the QVNA, claims the presence of ATVs and rowdy bar patrons on South Street precipitated the shooting that occurred in June. 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. The corridor experienced a small uptick in violent crime during 2021, with 7 total incidents that year. 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. The other four blocks along the corridor saw decreases. 20% of Philadelphia's federal housing subsidies expire in the next decade. South Philly The outlet said Beren faces four charges related to voter fraud, one of which is conspiracy. Mark Zimmaro - February 15, 2023. A few used the incident to connect District Attorney Larry Krasners policies around misdemeanor offenses to increased gun violence. Whats working? Free and fair elections are the hallmark of our democracy, Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer A. Williams said in a statement on the superseding indictment in Myers case. The charges filed Wednesday against Beren mirror the accusations in the Demuro case. Together we can reach 100% of WHYYs fiscal year goal. PROVIDENCE, R.I. A Providence man who acted as a supplier of fentanyl to a mid-level drug trafficker was sentenced today to nearly six-and-a-half years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. And what lessons can Phillys next mayor take? Not so in Philly. 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. The free WHYY News Daily newsletter delivers the most important local stories to your inbox. The other is toward the southern end of the neighborhood, near Washington Avenue, at the two residential blocks along the 900 and 1000 blocks of South 5th Street. Chicago Bears: Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina 65. The indictment alleges the woman approached the man in 2021 and began selling him remains that the mortuary was supposed to cremate and return to an Arkansas medical school. Gun violence activist Pastor Carl Day hosted an IG Live chat with Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw Wednesday. A boost for Parker from across the Delaware Philadelphia mayoral candidate Cherelle Parker has started consolidating support from some top Democrats in the city and now, apparently, from across the Delaware River. Prosecutors also describe how underboss Steven Mazzone, capo or captain Domenic Grande, and Salvatore Mazzone participated in a making ceremony in August 2015, when several new soldiers showed up to a home in South Philly to be initiated into the mob. AG Shapiro, DA Krasner Announce 9 Arrests By Gun Violence Task Some people want to whitewash their business corridor, she said. 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. He was also charged Wednesday with additional crimes linked to Berens case. Arabia and Bucceroni were charged with a single count of cocaine distribution. Got a tip? It wouldnt be the first time that Jersey power dipped into a Philly mayoral election. Do We Really Care What Mark Ruffalo Thinks About Helen Gym? The councilmember said he inherited Beren as a staff member from his predecessor, former Councilmember Frank DiCicco. She installed her replacement, prosecutors say. Shortly before 10 p.m., however, police said it was still unclear what actually happened. Chicago Bears: Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina 65. The government claims that the consultant in question directed Beren to add fraudulent votes to candidates supported by the consultant. After this ceremony, these men (who must be of 100 percent Italian ancestry) are then referred to as made members of LCN. Business owners in the South Street Headhouse District have their own set of safety worries, said Harris, the SSHD executive director. Something went wrong. After 562 people were murdered in the city in 2021, Philadelphia Police A group of chefs in South Philly's Italian Market set out to break the record for world's longest cheesesteak on Monday. 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. Call to action planned for Fanta Bility outside Delaware County Courthouse. WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. WebThe indictment, venued in Colleton County, alleges tax evasion for tax years 2020 and 2021. Shootings are rare in Queen Village. Joey Electric, Louie Sheep, and a dozen other operatives of a Philly crime family were indicted on charges including racketeering, illegal gambling, and drug trafficking. Not so in Philly. Indictment - 6abc Philadelphia The resulting hoagie spanned three blocks and caused some traffic issues. }, 2000 );

Bland is not believed to have played a role in any of the shootings part of the joint investigation. Fax: 205-921-5595 2131 Military Street S Hamilton, AL 35570 View Location Alex Murdaugh charged with two counts of tax evasion | The Hill 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. South Philadelphia News Said Rose Marie Battiste: Its funny, you cant walk around without seeing drugs. Authorities say the shootings were fueled by a feud between two rival gangs. clearInterval(timerId); Outlaw vows to reduce homicides in Philly as shootings continue to surge in 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. More than a year Five individuals, whose names have not been released, were already in custody. After 562 people were murdered in the city in 2021, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw vows to bring that number down this year. Philadelphia City Councilmembers Bobby Henon and Kenyatta Johnson both accepted tens of thousands in cash donations to support legal defense costs related to 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. Even accounting for this recent increase, the numbers show that South Street is one of the safest areas in the city. The impact will be felt well beyond the family. He also agrees to commit violence on behalf of LCN if necessary, the filing adds. April 15, 2021 Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and the Philadelphia Gun Violence Task Force provided details on an investigation into shootings in 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. Copyright 2023 WPVI-TV. Henons sentencing has been set for Feb. 22, according to 6ABC, and Doughertys 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. by Jeremy Roebuck and Sean Collins Walsh Published Oct 13, 2021 A former staffer for City Councilmember Mark Squilla was federally charged Wednesday with Updated Jun 27, 2022. We need to connect young people to the services and support they need to get their lives on a different and better path. Heres where affordability is most at risk. When she opened the store in 2018, Robinson said South Street was one of the few neighborhoods that welcomed her business. Web205-921-5556. All Rights Reserved. After blowback, Philly police yank NRAs gun safety curriculum from city rec centers. Breaking News Mob Talk Sitdown 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. The restaurant-filled blocks of Sansom Street from 18th to City Hall had 100 reports for the same year. "The investigation resulting in these five arrests shut off a significant pipeline for methamphetamine to the entire Southeastern Pennsylvania region, and our communities are safer for it," Montgomery County DA Kevin Steele said. When Election Day came around, the consultant would drive Beren to the polling place in the morning, giving her instructions along the way. iframe.src = iframe.src; While crime is generally low on South Street, reports of violence are especially rare, accounting for only a handful of incidents each year. Grande and several other men also face a charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? Crime Archives - South Philly Review In one case, 70-year-old defendant Joseph Malone directed an unindicted co-conspirator to attack a victim to collect a loan-sharking debt, specifically ordering the stooge to go over there with a baseball bat and hit the unnamed borrower, the indictment states. For myself and our department, there is no single issue that is of more importance, she said. 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. Tatiyana Bland was also arrested Thursday for allegedly tampering with evidence while police were executing one of the arrest warrants, said a spokesperson with the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office. Mayor Jim Kenney said the combination of poverty and easy accessibility of guns is driving the problem. Violence in the city has shown no sign of slowing due to the calendar change. According to the feds, Beren perpetuated the voter fraud in a variety of ways. 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. indicted The men were found with numerous gunshot wounds inside a property on the 1600 block of South 10th Street, police said. On Tuesday, Jennifer Arbittier Williams, the acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, filed federal charges against 67-year-old South Philadelphia resident Marie Beren, alleging that she participated in a voter fraud scheme from 2015 through 2019 in three voting divisions in South Philadelphia. Philly Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw defends her approach to gun violence on IG Live session. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. And the city is on pace to set a new single-year record for homicides. Prosecutors say Beren, in turn, steered people at the polls to vote for those candidates or added them herself in the name of people she knew were unlikely to show up to vote. But the new occupant does have a Pa. connection. 2 plead guilty for roles in shooting outside Pat's King of Steaks. If you're a scraper, please click the link below :-) 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. 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. 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. Anne Kelly King, Squillas chief of staff, tells Philly Mag that Beren was a hand-me-down from the office of former City Councilmember Frank DiCicco, whom Squilla replaced in 2012. Theft alone accounted for over a third (35%). John Moore/Getty Images. The data below show Philadelphia totals for people arrested by local and state law enforcement agencies for different offense types. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Bishop James Darrell Robinson, who leads Yesha Ministries Worship Center, said unity can go a long way towards solving the citys persistent gun violence program. Please give today. In 2018, the New Jersey and Philadelphia carpenters unions consolidated, and Parker is backed by the regional entity.

iframe.onload = function() { (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY). And 2015 is when the alleged conspiracy begins. With 1,000 federal convictions in 40 years, corruption is ever He resigned later that year after his conviction and returned home from prison to become a Democratic ward leader in Fishtown. (Getty Images). Indicted Philly lawmakers collect legal defense cash gifts 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. Full list of every pick from the 2023 NFL Draft - NBC Sports Chicago Nick Battiste, 65, and his wife, Rose Marie, 66, however, said crime is still a problem in the area. South The prosecutors in Berens case havent alleged that any money changed hands between her and Consultant #1. The government also alleges that she would encourage and permit in-person voters to vote on behalf of absent family members, steering those voters in support of the consultants candidates of choice. Philadelphia Eagles (from Arizona): Sydney Brown, S, Illinois iframe.src = iframe.src; South Philly Judge of Elections Charged in Voter Fraud Sign up for the free Billy Penn newsletter and stay in the know. Beren and others, who are unnamed in the criminal complaint, falsified the voting book for the day, writing down names of voters who didnt actually show up so that the count would all make sense at the end of the day. But the contrast stands out, given South Streets history as a haven for Black activists and business owners in a city that cant escape the legacy of redlining. Just over 2% of all incidents involved a weapon. Prosecutors say that these fraudulent votes were cast for candidates at every level of government, from municipal to state to federal. 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. }, 2000 );

WebPro dancers prepare Philadelphia students to take center stage.

. This is unique to this neighborhood. And with that in mind, Id like to see our city be as proactive about approaching our gun violence epidemic from a public health perspective as it does from the law enforcement perspective, similar to the way weve addressed COVID-19, said Gauthier, whose district also contains the sites of many shootings in the task forces latest investigation. Sign up for our weekly newsletter. 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.