$1M Asylum Scheme, Oxford Paralegal Indicted After Posing As Lawyer, FBI Seeks Victims
A Pennsylvania paralegal is accused of posing as an immigration lawyer in a $1 million asylum fraud scheme, federal prosecutors announced on Thursday, July 31.
Fatima DeMaria, 65, of Lincoln University, was indicted on eight counts of asylum fraud and eight counts of mail fraud after allegedly charging immigrants thousands of dollars for fake legal services, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
DeMaria, owner of Immigration Matters Legal Services in Oxford, allegedly promised undocumented immigrants work permits and legal protection despite not b…
Vernon Funeral Home Owner Stole $71K From Clients to Fund Gambling, Shopping Sprees: Police
A Connecticut funeral home owner was arrested this week after police said he embezzled $71,000 from mentally and physically disabled clients, using the funds to gamble, shop, and dine out.
Philip Pietras, 51, of Coventry, was taken into custody on Sunday, April 6, and charged with first-degree larceny, according to Connecticut State Police.
Police began investigating Pietras in October 2024 after a financial agency that manages funds for disabled adults reported discrepancies in payments sent to one of Pietras’ funeral homes.
Pietras owns four funeral homes, including Bassinger and Do…
Covid-19: NY Gyms, Casinos, Stadiums, Offices Can Increase Occupancy
With New York continuing to show signs of recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, additional restrictions placed on certain businesses and industries are being lifted.
During a COVID-19 briefing on Monday, April 26 in Syracuse, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that stadiums, offices, casinos, gyms, and fitness centers outside of New York City can all increase its occupancy.
Cuomo said that the following restrictions are now in place as of Saturday, May 15:
Offices: from 50 percent to 75 percent occupancy;
Casinos: from 25 percent to 50 percent occupancy;
Gyms and fitness centers outside New Y…
Indoor Dance, Gymnastics, Martial Arts Facilities Can Reopen In NJ -- Still Not Fitness Centers
Indoor youth sports facilities, dance and music studios, gymnastics gyms and martial arts studios were allowed to reopen Thursday, state officials said.
Museums, aquariums, water parks, batting cages and bowling alleys, had also previously been given the OK. Click here for the guidelines on those.
Gyms and indoor workout facilities will remain closed until new positive cases of coronavirus subside, Gov. Phil Murphy has said. One-on-one training is allowed with some limits.
Atlantic City casinos, arcades and arts/craft centers also are among the state's businesses that began a partial…
NJ Gyms Can Soon Reopen For Individual Training Sessions By Appointment Only
New Jersey gyms must remain closed -- but come July 2, members can start booking individual training sessions at fitness centers by appointment only, Gov. Phil Murphy announced at Wednesday's COVID-19 briefing.
Museums, aquariums, bowling allies, shooting ranges, boardwalks, arcades and libraries (at 25 percent capacity) can also reopen July 2. Indoor dining and casinos (both at limited capacity), along with playgrounds, water parks and amusement parks can also reopen that day.
Movie theaters, performing arts centers, concert venues and night clubs will remain closed, Murphy said, addi…
Covid-19: These Businesses Will Stay Completely Closed During Phase 2 Of Four-Phase Reopening
Though many businesses are beginning to ramp back up in New York as all regions outside New York City reached Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan, some will remain closed for at least two more weeks.
During Phase 2, office-based jobs, real estate, barbershops, salons, and expanded retail services are all permitted to reopen under strict restrictions and guidelines mandated by the state.
However, much to the chagrin of some, certain businesses not deemed essential will remain closed through at least the next phase, which is expected to come two weeks after regions entered Phase 2, provided…
Murphy Promises Monday Reopening Announcement On Casinos, Outdoor Dining, Retail, Personal Care
Atlantic City’s casinos could reopen with restrictions by the Fourth of July weekend, among other loosening of the statewide coronavirus lockdown involving dining, shopping and personal care, Gov. Phil Murphy said Sunday.
** UPDATE: Murphy on Monday announced hard dates for Stage 2 of New Jersey's economic restart, including the reopening of outdoor dining, nonessential retail and salons. More information on gyms is expected to follow in the coming days. **
Murphy already has said he’ll permit daycare centers, non-contact sports and youth day camps to reopen soon.
Outdoor dining, non-essen…
