Latest news with #Reynoso
Miami Herald
16-07-2025
- Miami Herald
Two men with Florida ties charged in alleged $650 million global crypto fraud
Two men with connections to Florida are at the center of a sweeping federal indictment unsealed last week in Puerto Rico, accused of orchestrating a massive international fraud scheme that stole more than $650 million from cryptocurrency investors around the world. Michael Shannon Sims, 48, of Georgia and Florida, and Juan Carlos Reynoso, 57, of New Jersey and Florida, were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with OmegaPro, an online investment platform that prosecutors say was actually a global pyramid scheme. If convicted, Sims and Reynoso each face up to 20 years in federal prison on each count. Federal authorities say OmegaPro lured thousands of victims from the U.S., Latin America and beyond — including Florida and Puerto Rico — with false promises of extraordinary returns, up to 300% in just 16 months, supposedly through foreign-exchange trading. But prosecutors say there were no elite traders — just a sophisticated scam. 'The defendants preyed upon vulnerable individuals in the U.S. and abroad, defrauding them of over $650 million by making false promises of substantial returns and that their money was safe,' said Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. According to the indictment, Sims and Reynoso — along with other co-conspirators — operated the scheme from 2019 to 2023 by selling cryptocurrency-based 'investment packages' and claiming the funds would be managed by expert foreign-exchange traders. Instead, investigators say the money was funneled into crypto wallets controlled by OmegaPro insiders, who then laundered and concealed the funds. Both Sims and Reynoso allegedly pocketed millions. Sims is identified as a founder, consultant, and top promoter of OmegaPro, while Reynoso allegedly ran operations across Latin America and parts of the U.S., including South Florida and Puerto Rico. To build credibility, prosecutors say Sims boasted of OmegaPro's trading prowess and promoted its so-called 'elite' traders. Reynoso is accused of assuring investors that OmegaPro was fully licensed — or alternatively, that it didn't fall under any country's regulations. They also went to great lengths to project an image of success, hosting extravagant events around the globe, including one in Dubai, where the OmegaPro logo was splashed across the famed Burj Khalifa skyscraper. On social media, they flaunted luxury lifestyles — high-end cars, designer watches, private jets — all allegedly paid for with investor money. By January 2023, the operation began to unravel. OmegaPro claimed it had suffered a 'network hack,' sparking panic among investors. Reynoso and others promised the funds would be transferred to a new platform, Broker Group — but victims say their money was never returned. 'This case exposes the ruthless reality of modern financial crime,' said Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Chief Guy Ficco. 'OmegaPro promised financial freedom but delivered financial ruin — stealing over $650 million from everyday people and vanishing it into virtual currency.'
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Brooklyn BP Antonio Reynoso has taken cash from real estate interests despite pledge
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso's reelection campaign has accepted thousands of dollars in contributions from real estate industry players even though he ran for office on a promise to not take money from that sector, according to a Daily News review of city records. The issue became a flashpoint during last week's first debate in the Brooklyn borough president's race, when Reynoso's Democratic primary opponent, Khari Edwards, questioned why the BP had accepted donations from 'luxury developers' even though he has maintained for years he doesn't take campaign cash from the real estate industry. Reynoso pushed back, calling Edwards' question 'nonsense.' 'You know I don't take money from developers,' said the BP, who was elected in 2021 on a broader promise to refuse any donations 'from the real estate industry,' which is often viewed as including brokers, landlords and property managers in addition to developers. But a review by The News of Reynoso's public disclosures found his 2025 reelection campaign has accepted nearly $25,000 in donations from more than a dozen individuals working in the real estate sector. With public matching funds factored in, those donations have become worth more than $43,000. Reynoso's real estate cash includes a $1,000 donation made on Sept. 27, 2024 by Mitchell Hochberg, president of the mega developer Lightstone Group. Reynoso accepted that donation even though Hochberg's in the city government's Doing Business database. The database keeps tabs on private actors involved in business dealings with city entities, and those listed in it are restricted from giving more than $320 to borough president candidates. Reynoso's campaign ultimately returned $680 of Hochberg's donation — but not until several months after he made it, a delay that could subject the BP to a fine from the Campaign Finance Board, which generally requires any over-the-limit contributions to be refunded within 20 days. A CFB spokesman declined to comment. Other real estate players who gave to Reynoso's reelection bid include Zev Friedman, who chipped in the max $1,600 allowed by law on May 19, records show. Friedman is the chief financial officer of Bonjour Capital, a real estate investment and development firm. Reynoso campaign manager Ben Hoffman acknowledged that the donations from Hochman, Friedman and four other industry players, totaling $5,380, flew in the face of the BP's 2021 commitment to not take cash from real estate developers. Hoffman said Reynoso's campaign has already refunded two of those donations, totaling $1,960. He did not say if they'd return the others. Of the other donations identified by The News, Hoffman argued they aren't part of Reynoso's commitment. He said that's because that money came from landlords, property managers and brokers, which he differentiated from real estate developers. On the 2021 campaign trail, Reynoso on multiple occasions promised to not take cash from the real estate sector as a whole. More recently, he has spoken about the importance of not taking donations from developers specifically. In a statement, Hoffman argued Reynoso 'is not going to be distracted and will continue doing what he does best: serving the people of Brooklyn to make a safer, more affordable Brooklyn for all.' Edwards, Reynoso's opponent, said he's being 'dishonest.' 'It's damage control that does nothing for the families fighting to stay in their homes,' said Edwards, who's Reynoso's only competitive challenger in the June 24 Democratic primary. There has been no polling in the Brooklyn BP race. So far, Reynoso has dominated the fundraising battle, though, sitting on $811,891 as of the latest filing compared to Edwards' $239,148.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
No Kings rally: Officials fortify safety plans as protesters prepare to descend on Philadelphia
The Brief Thousands of people are expected to attend Saturday's "No Kings" protest in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Police and the District Attorney said they will protect people's rights to demonstrate while holding law-breakers accountable. The rally kicks off 12 p.m. at Love Park. CENTER CITY - 1,800 "No Kings" protests are planned across the country this weekend. The largest is expected to take place in Philadelphia. What we know The "No Kings" protests call for a day of action to oppose the policies of President Donald Trump. The protests coincide with Trump's 79th birthday. More than 2,000 protests are scheduled around the country. The flagship is being held in Philadelphia. A noon rally at Love Park will be followed by a march to Eakins Oval where barricades have already been put in place. Dig deeper Event organizers for the Philadelphia "No Kings" protest on June 14 anticipate 30,000 attendees, according to police. "There is a lot of us who are very upset with what's going on," said Jessica Reynoso. "There are a lot of us who want to push back and show that we're upset with the way the administration has been conducting, especially with what's been happening in Los Angeles, the excessive force, and the National Guard that is being used against the citizens." Reynoso is an activist with Our Revolution, a progressive political organizing group. She has been getting the word out about the mass protests across the country and will volunteer during the Philadelphia rally. "I'm just worried about due process and I feel like me and my friends focus on that the United States is a democracy, and we just want to make sure our institutions are upholding that and keeping people accountable," said Reynoso. What they're saying During a news conference at Salt and Light Church in Kingsessing Thursday, District Attorney Larry Krasner said the upcoming protest was one of the important topics he discussed face-to-face with PPD Commissioner Kevin Bethel on Wednesday. "We will carefully hold accountable anyone and everyone, whether they are uniformed ice agents or they are opportunistic criminals, who would tuck in behind lawful protest in order to loot. We will hold all of them properly accountable," said Krasner. PPD Sergeant Eric Gripp said in a statement: "The Philadelphia Police Department remains firmly committed to protecting the constitutional rights of all individuals, including the right to peacefully assemble and express opinions under the First Amendment. As we have consistently stated, our role during demonstrations is to safeguard public safety while ensuring that individuals can exercise their rights without fear or interference. While we do not comment on hypothetical situations, we continuously monitor events locally and nationally to ensure we are prepared for any scenario. In coordination with our local, state, and federal partners, the PPD is always working to balance public safety concerns with the need to protect civil liberties. As with all demonstrations, our priority is to facilitate peaceful protest, prevent violence or disorder, and protect the rights of all residents, businesses, and participants. We train our officers accordingly and deploy resources proportionate to the potential needs of the event. We encourage anyone who plans to demonstrate to do so peacefully and in accordance with the law. The Philadelphia Police Department will continue to uphold our responsibility to serve all communities with professionalism, honor, and integrity." Governor Josh Shapiro also released this statement about upcoming protests: "The right to peacefully protest and exercise our First Amendment is a sacred American right — and here in Pennsylvania, we will always protect it. At the same time, we will always remain focused on keeping our communities safe and ensuring all demonstrations remain peaceful. As Governor, I will stand in defense of this constitutional right and work to ensure all Pennsylvanians can exercise it safely and peacefully. With demonstrations and protests planned across Pennsylvania this weekend, I want to be very clear: all protests and demonstrations must remain peaceful, lawful, and orderly. Violence is not an answer to any political differences, destruction and chaos are unacceptable — and neither will be permitted here in Pennsylvania. My Administration is coordinating with the Parker Administration in Philadelphia and local officials and law enforcement all across the Commonwealth to make sure that demonstrations this weekend are lawful and peaceful. Colonel Paris and the Pennsylvania State Police are working closely with local police departments to ensure they have the resources and support they need. Together, we are prepared to keep our communities safe while protecting Pennsylvanians' fundamental rights - and we will be working around the clock to ensure both the rights of protesters and the wellbeing of our cities and towns are protected. So long as l am your Governor, I will continue working every day to protect our freedom and keep our communities safe. Here in the Commonwealth William Penn founded on the promise that it would be welcoming to people from all walks of life, we can and must do both." "We're just trying to show our power in numbers, not in any other actions, so we're hoping that that's enough to keep us safe," said Reynoso. The "No Kings" protest in Philadelphia will begin 2 p.m. Saturday at Love Park then march to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Some say there is no better place to exercise free speech than Philly they just hope it stays safe. "If I was to come down I would just keep my antenna up and be careful. And I have done many protests in my day so I which everybody a safe journey when they come" said a Havertown grandmother walking the Parkway. A couple blocks off the Ben Franklin Parkway, the happy hour drinks were flowing at McCrossens Tavern Thursday night. But the buzz around the bar was about what's coming this weekend. "We are hoping for the best and we support freedom of speech and if the people have something to say we just hope it's said peacefully get their fair shake" said owner Jamie Brennan. What's next Philadelphia Police say they are prepared for what could be the biggest protest in the country on Saturday. Motorists are being told to avoid the area at all costs on Saturday. Eakins Oval and Kelly Drive inbound from Fairmount Ave. will be closed to traffic starting at 3 a.m. Saturday. There are similar protests going on in several suburban communities as well.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
18-year-old charged after firing shots at a vehicle in Des Plaines
DES PLAINES, Ill. — An 18-year-old from Des Plaines was arrested and charged after firing shots at a moving vehicle. Des Plaines police officers responded to the 1800 block of Ash St. on reports of shots fired at 4:05 p.m. on Friday, May 30. Police say 18-year-old Freddie Reynoso exited a black Ford F-150 and fired several shots at a vehicle that was traveling northbound before fleeing on foot, leaving the truck behind. Officers contacted the registered owner of the truck, Reynoso's mother, and later that same evening, he turned himself in. Reynoso told investigators he fired shots at the vehicle because he and the driver were in a dispute over a girl. A Glock .40 was recovered from a backpack that belonged to Reynoso's friend after he admitted to hiding it there after the incident. Reynoso was charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm and two counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A new chapter: Albuquerque's Special Collections Library turns 100
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Albuquerque's Special Collections Library in the historic Huning Highlands neighborhood building is turning 100 this week, and to celebrate the milestone, library staff are hosting a public event to replicate the original grand opening. 'We're going to have a jazz band playing, just like they did in 1925. We are going to be distributing a postcard that is a replica of a postcard handed out at the grand opening. We're going to serve the punch, and we have a wonderful display up about the history of this building,' said Teri Reynoso, Special Collections Library branch manager. Story continues below DWI Scandal: Another BCSO deputy placed on leave in connection to DWI dismissals Entertainment: Visit these 10 iconic film locations in New Mexico Events: What's happening around New Mexico March 14-20 The celebration will take place on Saturday, March 22, almost exactly 100 years after the Pueblo-Spanish Revival-style building on the corner of Central and Edith opened as a library on March 23, 1925. However, the building has not always been the home of special collections. 'So, it's the 100th anniversary of this building, which at the time in 1925 was the only public library in the city of Albuquerque until 1948, when Ernie Pyle Branch was open,' explained Reynoso. As the population grew in the city, so did the building and need for more libraries. 'So, built in 1925, like right after we had a huge population boom for people suffering from tuberculosis, their families, their friends, all the businessmen associated with that. This [east] side of the library was added in '47 when the base and the labs were starting. So, another big population boom. And the west side of the library was added in '51 after the baby boom,' said Reynoso. The building housed the Main Library until 1975, when a new library was built downtown at 5th and Copper. After undergoing more renovations, the building reopened in 1978 as the Special Collections Library. Since then, it has grown its archival collection to over 100,000 materials and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2024. 'So, the city of Albuquerque doesn't have a historian; it doesn't have an archive. So, we're kind of like the de facto archive for the city,' Reynoso said about the collection. Inside the library, visitors will find various city maps, real estate records, genealogical records, yearbooks dating back to 1910, some historical photographs, and rare books from the mid-1500s. Other materials in the archives include materials from the South Valley's Marigold Parades, papers documenting Rudolfo Anaya's efforts to hold El Kookoóee celebrations in the South Valley, documents about the founding of the Petroglyph National Monument, a variety of editions of 'Don Quixote', and many other items. The building also has its own print shop, which is comprised of antique and reproduced printing presses. The library hosts printing workshops there, and it actively uses the presses to print things, including its 100th-anniversary celebration invitations. Albuquerque Route 66 motel to undergo major renovation The community celebration for the building turning 100 is free and will be held from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at the library. More information can be found here. If you are interested in learning more about the building and library's history, the Albuquerque Museum will open a new exhibition on those topics on March 24. 'Open to All: A Century of Access at the Special Collections Library' will be open through Nov. 2, 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
