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. King says Beren is no longer employed by Squillas office. 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. Billy Penns data shows little evidence of a yearly increase along the South Street corridor. 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. And what lessons can Phillys next mayor take? I cant remember the last time weve seen something like this, he said. Joanna McClinton Talks the Bible, Beyonc, and the Big Lie, A Behind-the-Scenes Oral History of the 76ers' 1983 Championship. Throughout 2016 and 2017, LCN members allegedly collected debts from loans that had annual interest rates as high as 156 percent to 400 percent. 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. He pleaded guilty in 2011, served a prison term and is now a lobbyist. Can strategies piloted in other cities serve as a guide? 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. Prosecutors say Marie Beren, who is no longer with Squilla's office, used her role as a de factojudge of elections in three South Philly voting divisions to cast fraudulent votes for candidates at all levels of government. The vast majority of crime reported on South Street is minor offenses. Thats unprecedented in most places. PPA steps up ticketing for street sweeping, bike lane violations, Impending vote could cause pilot strike at American Airlines, Pa. couple gets married in hospital, granting mother's final wish. 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. Nope, another fake Citizen alert, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner will join a rebuilding team with first-year head coach Frank Reich, who previously led the Indianapolis Colts. clearInterval(timerId); (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY). There are certain residents that dont want sneaker shops, or hookah lounges, or anything that they think would bring people who they deem undesirable.. Philly police say they can reduce crime by reassigning officers to street duty and creating a new unit designed to curb non-fatal shootings.

iframe.onload = function() { Local activists, organizers, attorneys, and nonprofit workers convened to share ideas and forge a path forward. As the feds put it, Beren was the de factojudge of elections for all three divisions. 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. Sign up for our weekly newsletter. Its how we live. 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. For example, the 3-block stretch of Walnut Street within the Gayborhood and the 5-block stretch of Sansom Street from Rittenhouse Square Park to City Hall both experienced fewer than 5 incidents each year. Altogether, through 20 indictments containing 101 state-level charges against Murdaugh, the State Grand Jury has indicted Murdaugh for schemes to defraud victims of WHYY thanks our sponsors become a WHYY sponsor. WHYY provides trustworthy, fact-based, local news and information and world-class entertainment to everyone in our community. iframe.src = iframe.src; Three Sharon Hill police officers opened fire on a vehicle outside the Academy Park High School football stadium, sources say. Henon, convicted with Dougherty on bribery charges in 2021, is due to start serving a 3-year federal prison sentence in 10 days. You dont usually see this type thing in this neighborhood, said Jeff Kauffman, 57, a realtor who was smoking in front of a cigar store nearby. In 2018, the New Jersey and Philadelphia carpenters unions consolidated, and Parker is backed by the regional entity. 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. If you're a human and see this, please ignore it. const timerId = setInterval( function() { 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. When people drive down the sidewalks, drive the wrong way, or do donuts in the street at three oclock in the morning [it can breed fear].. Together we can reach 100% of WHYYs fiscal year goal. 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. Philly mayors race poll results: Statistical tie, with three women in front, Philadelphia City Council candidate tracker, Reduce your carbon footprint with this monthly delivery CSA, Philadelphians imagine better housing futures for the city, Wawa opens its 1,000th store in South Jersey, as the chains grand expansion continues, Choosing a 1983 player and a 1993 player for the 2023 Phillies, Helen Gyms ground game: A cult-like following plans to knock on 300,000 doors in advance of the primary, Chef Kurt Evans is melding the aesthetics of Chinese takeout with the spirit of soul food, Huge mayonnaise spill in Philadelphia? Rhynhart, Parker, and Gym lead the race, but 1 in 5 voters are still undecided. There are too many people that have made pleas saying, Look, I want to feel safe. Crisler served as interim sheriff in 2021. And the city is on pace to set a new single-year record for homicides. Per Billy Penns analysis, shootings in the Queen Village neighborhood tend to happen in two places. They did so in defiance of the Philadelphia carpenters union, which backed Kenneys primary opponent, State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams. 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. Love Philly? I think theres a confusion sometimes between uncomfortable and unsafe.. Do We Really Care What Mark Ruffalo Thinks About Helen Gym? Henons sentencing has been set for Feb. 22, according to 6ABC, and Doughertys Please give today. Sign up for our weekly newsletter. The corridor experienced a small uptick in violent crime during 2021, with 7 total incidents that year. The Eddie Eagle program has been found to be ineffective at stopping kids from using firearms. More than a year Philadelphia Eagles (from Arizona): Sydney Brown, S, Illinois There were seven murders in the first four days of 2022, the same amount compared to this time last year. That's when an undercover agent was allegedly able to purchase two pounds of meth in Lower Merion Twp. If approved by City Council, the total investment into anti-violence programming during FY22 would be $35.5 million out of a $5.18 billion proposed spending plan less than 5% of the $727 million the Kenney administration wants to spend on the Philadelphia Police Department. Police investigate at a crime scene in October, 2021. WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. Investigators with the Philadelphia Gun Violence Task Force used surveillance footage, evidence culled from social media, and witnesses to make the arrests and clear 19 shooting incidents, including three homicides. 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. A Billy Penn analysis of police reports along some of the most commercially active blocks of South Street, however, found that not only do shootings seldom occur, but the business district is also among the safest in Philly. The corridor experienced a small uptick in violent crime during 2021, with 7 total incidents that year. dave.schratwieser. 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 arrests come as gun violence continues to surge at historic levels and police struggle to make arrests in both fatal and non-fatal shootings. John Moore/Getty Images. 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 Mark Zimmaro - February 15, 2023. Now, a lack of consensus between residents and business owners is shaping conversations about crime and safety and ultimately who the neighborhood is for. Ive been here my entire life and Im ready to leave. Nobody wants to hear that. The most serious of the charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. More than 500 people have been shot so far this year fatally or non-fatally. Sign up for the free Billy Penn newsletter and stay in the know. Some people want to whitewash their business corridor, she said. Two men were killed as they entered a rowhouse in South Philadelphias Passyunk Square neighborhood Monday afternoon. Chicago Bears: Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina 65. By: Western Journal, October 15, 2021: A few used the incident to connect District Attorney Larry Krasners policies around misdemeanor offenses to increased gun violence. One of the most recent arrests is 29-year-old Michael Dickinson of South Philadelphia, one of a very small number of those charged who hail from Philadelphia For comparison, the blocks of Walnut Street between 11th and Broad that house much of the Gayborhoods nightlife experienced 204 incidents in 2019. Montgomery County District Attorney's Office The DA's office said the investigation began in March 2021. April 25, 2022. 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. 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. A knife was lying on top. The case is being investigated by the FBIs Philadelphia Field Office and Atlantic City Resident Agency with the assistance of the Philadelphia Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. The purpose of the abduction plot was to protect the reputation of the Philadelphia LCN, the indictment says. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Former U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah lost his 2016 Democratic primary, just 20 days ahead of his trial on federal corruption charges that resulted in a conviction and a prison term. Note that clicking the link below will block access to this site for 24 hours. On Thursday, police arrested four men Haneef Wilkins, Eric Woodard, Aquil Collins and Javaun Parris on the street. There was also no significant change after DA Krasner decriminalized a number of minor offenses in February 2018, including marijuana possession and some prostitution violations. (6abc). So, the time is now for us to not only step up our game, but again reaffirm that there is a sense of urgency behind this, Outlaw continued. Heres where affordability is most at risk. Former President Donald Trump's bid for public office while under indictment is unprecedented in most places. Authorities say the shootings were fueled by a feud between two rival gangs. Hopkins, Mr. Authorities say six more men with connections to the shooting Yameen Mofield, Saheem Tart, Carlos Bristow, Hyfese Richardson, Kameron Purnell, and Walik Grant remain at large. But community leaders say a peace movement is building. Philadelphia Eagles (from Houston): Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama. From 2017 to 2018, only the 400 block of South Street saw a small increase in the total number of incidents. Lets get away from that and lets come to the table, said Robinson. We want to patronize businesses, Ingersoll said. The sole purpose this office should be transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Their priorities are dealing with shoplifting and staff getting harassed, he said. 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. 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. The details of the incident are being reported factually, Robinson said, but I think this was used in a political way to push a particular agenda.. According to prosecutors, the conspiracy involved Beren and an individual currently identified in the complaint only as Consultant #1, who is described as a former elected official who held himself out as an effective and successful political operative capable of ensuring his clients electoral success. (The consultant is reportedly Ozzie Myers, the former Philly pol with a very storied and problematic history.). It should give people confidence in the process that cases of voter fraud or voting irregularities are investigated and, when warranted, prosecuted, he said. 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. 2 plead guilty for roles in shooting outside Pat's King of Steaks. A total of 29 people were injured or killed during these incidents, including 15-year-old Rasul Benson, who was fatally shot in October 2018 outside of a gas station on West Passyunk Avenue, and 17-year-old Nasir Livingston, who was shot on the 2700 block of Dickinson Street in December 2017. Her body had multiple stab wounds, the detective wrote in the affidavit. 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. The impact will be felt well beyond the family. 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. const timerId = setInterval( function() { 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 suspects were arrested during a sweep on March 15. (Getty Images). By 8 p.m. Monday, police removed the crime-scene tape allowing traffic to once again flow past the house where the men were shot. He believes most of what residents and outsiders know about South Street is anecdotal. Officials say 83 pounds of meth were seized after search warrants were executed, with a street value of $2.6 million to $3.7 million. Why would you do that? asked a Streets Department worker, who said a sanitation crew had been sent out. }

One is on South Street, at the 300 block that houses the Theater of Living Arts, cheesesteak shop Ishkabibbles, and an assortment of pubs. Philadelphia Eagles (from Houston): Tyler Steen, OT, Alabama. Email tips@billypenn.com. It wouldnt be the first time that Jersey power dipped into a Philly mayoral election. A Philadelphia man admitted to fatally stabbing his girlfriend inside a casino hotel room in Atlantic City. 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. Prosecutors say Marie Beren, who is no longer with Squilla's office, used her role as a de facto judge of elections in three South Philly voting divisions to cast fraudulent 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. BBC "Newshour" covers everything from the growth of democracy to the threat of terrorism with a fresh, clear perspective from across the globe. Violence in the city has shown no sign of slowing due to the calendar change. Business owners in the South Street Headhouse District have their own set of safety worries, said Harris, the SSHD executive director. City Councilmember Jaime Gauthier, perhaps the most vocal city lawmaker when it comes to gun violence, again called for people to pay more attention to what can be done before a shooting so that it potentially never happens in the first place. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Its the rhetoric around the incident that bothers me the most, Jenea Robinson told Billy Penn. Evans has been extradited to Montgomery County, officials said. This allowed her to pad votes for various federal, state and local candidates for election at Myers request, prosecutors said. During a period beginning in August 2015, 10 of the defendants allegedly conspired to conduct and participate in the affairs of the Philadelphia LCN through both a pattern of racketeering activity and through the collection of unlawful debts. Mayor Jim Kenney said the combination of poverty and easy accessibility of guns is driving the problem. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? Some residents have asserted so-called quality of life crimes, such as loitering, propel increases in more dangerous offenses, like aggravated assault. 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. Former South Philly Judge of Elections Charged in Voter Fraud Scheme, Cast Fraudulent Votes at All Levels of Government. 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. 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 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. BBC "Newshour" covers everything from the growth of democracy to the threat of terrorism with a fresh, clear perspective from across the globe. We may not solve the shootings today, but they will be solved. As executive director of the South Street Headhouse District, Harris works with approximately 450 area businesses to improve community and business relationships. The outlet said Beren faces four charges related to voter fraud, one of which is conspiracy. April 15, 2021 Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and the Philadelphia Gun Violence Task Force provided details on an investigation into shootings in iframe.src = iframe.src; Philadelphias political world was rocked on Monday when a federal jury convicted union leader John Dougherty and City Councilmember Bobby Henon on bribery and conspiracy charges. 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. Join us as a sustaining member to make sure we stick around. 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. Chicago Bears: Zacch Pickens, DT, South Carolina 65. California residents do not sell my data request. The investigation was also conducted by the U.S. Prior to this year, the neighborhood saw some of the lowest rates of gun violence in the city, averaging less than 10 victims per year even as the city overall saw shootings creep upwards from already record-high rates. Beren, who also worked as a constituent services representative in Squillas office up until last year, could not be immediately reached for comment Wednesday, and it was not yet clear whether she had retained an attorney. After this ceremony, these men (who must be of 100 percent Italian ancestry) are then referred to as made members of LCN. From 2015 through 2022, 48 of the neighborhoods 51 shooting victims were Black. And former City Councilmember Bobby Henon coasted to reelection in 2019 after being indicted in January of that year with John Johnny Doc Dougherty and other officials from Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. 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. Another suspect, Tatiyana Bland, was arrested by In fact, investigators believe the suspects shipped more than 800 pounds of meth since 2019. 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. Have a news tip or press release?

. Even accounting for this recent increase, the numbers show that South Street is one of the safest areas in the city. }, 2000 );

The other three were white. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and the Philadelphia Gun Violence Task Force provided details on an investigation into shootings in Southwest Philadelphia on April 15, 2021. Then he ran for the DAs Office and put millions of dollars into his campaign but has not invested one dime in this city.. Evans has been extradited to Montgomery County, officials said. The campaign calls the support unprecedented in a Philadelphia mayoral election. Its an indication of it being caught when it occurs.. Gun violence activist Pastor Carl Day hosted an IG Live chat with Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw Wednesday. By rule, a made member of LCN must be male and of 100% Italian ancestry.. The defendants charged in the seven-count superseding indictment are Steven Mazzone, aka Stevie, 56; Domenic Grande, aka Dom, Mr. In some cases, the candidates were clients of the consultant. 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. Learn more about Social Responsibility at WHYY. Other areas populated by bars and restaurants also experience small quantities of weapons-related infractions, even when they see higher rates of overall crime. clearInterval(timerId); 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. 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. Five individuals, whose names have not been released, were already in custody. Philadelphia mayoral candidate Cherelle Parker has started consolidating support from some top Democrats in the city and now, apparently, from across the Delaware River. Shortly before 10 p.m., however, police said it was still unclear what actually happened. The ongoing investigation has targeted a total of 15 men. Before it was a Pa. dairy farm, the company had roots in N.J. Theres lots of options, but you gotta be strategic. Philadelphias former district attorney spent much of his career investigating corruption and other illegal activity. A superseding indictment was unsealed today against 15 defendants, including alleged members and associates of the South Philadelphia and Southern New He said South Jerseys interests align closely with Philadelphias. Read the news of the day in less than 10 minutes not that were counting. The feds say the consultant recruited and installed Beren as a committee person for the Democratic Party in South Philadelphias 39th Ward in approximately 1984. U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Call to action planned for Fanta Bility outside Delaware County Courthouse. Also arrested Thursday were Eric Woodard, 24; Javuan Parris, 24; and Aquil Collins, 25, according to Krasner. The new allegations come as Republicans, led by former President Donald Trump, continue to assert without proof that he lost reelection last year due to cheating in places like heavily Democratic Philadelphia. 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. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY). 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. Not so in Philly. Year to Date Through 04/24/2023. At the time of the charges, Beren was serving as a staffer for Philadelphia City Councilmember Mark Squilla. During the Ozzie Myers case, we had heard that they had interviewed committee people throughout the area, but did not think they were charging people, said Squilla, who said he was never interviewed by investigators. More than 90 packages were found to have matched the pattern of this drug organization, the DA's office said. Steven Mazzone, Grande, Malone, Barretta, and 72-year-old Anthony Gifoli (Tony Meatballs) are charged with conducting an illegal gambling business. Shawn Best, the third murder victim, was killed on the 1000 block of South 49th Street in July. That consultant exercised influence and control in Philadelphias 39th Ward by distributing cash payments and supporting family, friends and allies for elective office in the 39th Ward, and installing Ward Leaders, Judges of Elections, and Democratic State Committee, the complaint alleges.

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