Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Friday, August 29, 2025
South Korea Takes Over UNSC For UNGA Month But No Answers on DPRK as Bans Press
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
UN GATE, Aug 29 - South Korea is taking over the UN Security Council presidency for September 2025 during the UN General Assembly high level week - while Inner City Press remains banned from the UN, despite its June 19, 2025 application.
Midday on August 28, to give them days to act, Inner City Press wrote to the Republic of Korea Mission and its spokesman Byung-Ha Chung:
This is a timely request that you allow Inner City Press to enter the UN and cover South Korea's UNSC Presidency press briefing by Sangjin Kim on September 2. This is also a request - sent to you the day before the UN's "deadline" to apply to enter and cover UNGA80 - that the South Korea mission ensure UN actions on / approval of this application, submitted more than two months ago.
I have questions to ask on what you will do this month about DPRK, Gaza, UNRWA and Rwanda, Kashmir, DRC, Greenland, Sudan, Ukraine, DRC and Rwanda, about the SDNY indictment involving Turkey's Mission to the UN as well as the coups in Gabon and Niger and the conflicts in Ukraine, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Yemen and Libya - and on ongoing cases of sexual abuse and exploitation by UN peacekeepers, and Missions' abuses in NYC, on many of which Inner City Press first reported - including its current scoops on Colombia, DRC, Libya and Somalia. And most recently South Sudan and UNECA
By the end of August 29, no answer from the South Korean mission, to the above, nor Inner City Press' August 29 noon briefing written questions. Sangjin Kim did a grip and grin with Cameroon's PGA. Watch this site.
Inner City Press on June 19 applied to the UN for access, as it gives 100s, to cover the UNGA week. Inner City Press has a NYC Press Pass and writes about the UN. From South Korea and its UN Mission, nothing.
Watch this site.
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In OneCoin Case Inner City Press Won Appeal for Greenwood Letters He Files for Free Lawyer
By Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Podcast Order
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Aug 29 -- For scam crypto currency OneCoin, Sebastian Greenwood who co-founded the company with Ruja Ignatova was sentenced to 20 years in prison by U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Edgardo Ramos on September 12, 2023. Inner City Press was there and live tweeted, thread here
Inner City Press had sought the unsealing of Greenwood's 33 sentencing letters but with him opposing (citing a Mafia case) and the US Attorney's Office inappropriately taking no position, it was denied. Judge Ramos' order is here.
On October 10, Inner City Press filed Notice of Appeal of the sealing of all of Greenwood's letters.
On July 28, 2025, Inner City Press won: "Before: Parker, Park, and Nathan, Circuit Judges. Appellant Matthew Lee appeals from an order of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (Ramos, J.) denying his motion to unseal and unredact Defendant-Appellee Karl Greenwood’s sentencing submission. On appeal, Lee argues that he enjoys a right of access to Greenwood’s sentencing memorandum and sentencing exhibits. We conclude that a First Amendment right of access attaches to Greenwood’s sentencing memorandum and sentencing exhibits and therefore requires the district court to make individualized findings to justify sealing those materials. Although the district court’s findings adequately justified the narrowly tailored redactions in Greenwood’s sentencing memorandum, the district court did not adequately justify its decision to seal Greenwood’s sentencing exhibits. Accordingly, we VACATE in part the order of the district court and REMAND for further proceedings consistent with this opinion." Opinion here.
On August 12 Greenwood's until now retained counsel wrote in to "request that the Court appoint the undersigned as temporary CJA counsel for the purpose of this submission and any additional briefing or litigation related to Lee’s desired access to Mr. Greenwood’s sentencing exhibits....Mr. Greenwood is in arrears to this firm, which was engaged to represent Mr. Greenwood with respect to his plea and on appeal to the Second Circuit. The Lee litigation regarding public access to his sentencing submission and exhibits has been an unpaid burden for Weddle Law that it has shouldered to date."
Near-immediate opposition was filed to devoting public funds to further pursue the unprecedented withholding in full of these sentencing letters, particularly without a CJA financial affidavit which Inner City Press has requested in advance be unsealed, as it won in US v. Avenatti and other cases.
On August 28, Judge Ramos docketed: "for the Court to decline this appointment or to decline the substitution of new counsel would present an unwarranted hardship to Weddle Law. ENDORSEMENT: The application to submit proposed redactions by September 15, 2025, is granted. Greenwood is directed to submit a CJA financial affidavit to the Court by email and respond to Inner City Press' letter by September 5, 2025. SO ORDERED. (Signed by Judge Edgardo Ramos on 8/28/2025)."
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Bolivia Former Anti Narco Czar Was Extradited In for Drugs Now US Gets 108 Months on Co-D
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Aug 29 – The day before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York US Attorney Damian Williams leaves the office, DOJ announced that MAXIMILIANO DAVILA-PEREZ, a/k/a “Macho,” was extradited from Bolivia and arrived in the U.S. this morning to face federal charges for conspiring to import cocaine into the U.S. and conspiring to use and possess machineguns in connection with this cocaine importation conspiracy. DAVILA-PEREZ will make his initial appearance this afternoon before the Honorable Robyn F. Tarnofsky.
Inner City Press went, and as the only media in the SDNY Mag court, live tweeted. Thread:
Davila-Perez is brought out by US Marshals. He is wearing an Adidas track suit, at least the jacket. Puts on Spanish interpretation headphones.
Same prosecutors as on all the Honduras / JOH narco cases. 3 law enforcement officers here in the courtroom, presumably DEA.
All rise! Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky: Based on the statements in the [sealed] financial statement, I am appointing you a lawyer.... How di you plead? Not guilty.
Defense lawyer: We consent to detention without prejudice. Adjourned.
On December 18, he appeared (in Essex yellow) before District Judge Denise L. Cote, thread:
All rise! Judge: Trial is on October 14, 2025.
AUSA Robles: We have video and audio of meetings. Defense counsel: I have a trial starting Sept 23 before Judge Broderick
Judge: By February 28, write me if Mr. Davila-Perez will need a new lawyer for the October 14 trial. Defense: We need medicine for Mr. Davila's thrombosis of the leg.
Judge: Which leg? [Confers] Defense: Left. Judge: I will order it Adjourned
Docketed on May 8, 2025, co-defendant Cahuana Barrientos wrote in from prison in Florida seeking a reduction in sentence.
On May 22 in court, with Inner City Press present, "as to Jorge Roca-Suarez, Xavier Donaldson is relieved as counsel and Peter Skinner is appointed as CJA counsel for the defendant."
On May 23, Judge Cote docketed that co-defendant Serrate-Middagh will change his not guilty plea on May 29 at 3:30 pm.
He did: "Juan Carlos Serrate-Middagh withdraws his not guilty plea and pleads guilty as charged to Count 1 of the s17 indictment. The Court accepts the guilty plea. PSI Ordered. Sentence date set for August 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Defendant's sentencing submission shall be due August 15, 2025. Government's response due August 22, 2025. Detention continued."
On May 28 for co-defendant Davila-Perez, currently counsel having written in he can't do a mid October trial said he spoke with another CJA who can - then wrote in to clarify that that while the US Attorney's Office does not oppose a change, it is not not conferred about any particular replacement counsel. Good to avoid an appellate issue...
On August 1 his new CJA lawyer moved to dismiss including based on the statute of limitations, arguing that "the total delay from the date the indictment was first voted is four years. The delay from the time that the indictment was unsealed to seek Davila's extradition is two years and eight months."
On August 22 Judge Cote denied the motion(s) to dismiss: "as to Maximiliano Davila-Perez. The defendant's August 7, 2025 motion to dismiss the Indictment is denied. (Signed by Judge Denise L. Cote on 8/22/2025)."
Later on August 22 the US Attorney's Office wrote in asking on co-defendant Serrate Middagh for 108 months on August 29.
Inner City Press went to the sentencing and live tweeted. The defendant sobbed, and said his daughter was in the hall, he was too embarassed to have her come in. Then he was sentenced to 108 months.
More on X for Subscribers here and Substack here
The case is USA v. Vasquez-Drew, et al., 1:19-cr-91 (Cote)
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Diddy Lawyer Agnifilo Updates He Is Retained Counsel for Hate Crime Assault about October 7
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
100 CENTRE STREET, Aug 28 – In November 2023 two women were charged with assault as a hate crime for ripping a Star of David off of a 41-year-old woman on West 82nd Street after tearing down fliers about hostages taken in the October 7 attack in Israel.
One of them, Stephanie Gonzalez, has as her lawyer Marc Agnifilo, who represents Sean Combs and now fellow sex abuse defendant Oren Alexander. Inner City Press first reported this and and asked: pro bono?
24 hours later, late on August 28, the WebCrims record was updated to specify that Agnifilo is a Retained Attorney to Stephanie Gonzalez. Charging the same rate as to Sean Combs and Oren Alexander? Will there be a GoFundMe?
Inner City Press was in the courtroom for Stephanie Gonzalez' August 27 appearance in 100 Centre Street (where Agnifilo's wire Karen Friedman Agnifilo represents Luigi Mangione). But Agnifilo, who Inner City Press saw up close in the Diddy trial and SDNY elevators, was not there.
Again, would Agnifilo represent Gonzalez at the now scheduled trial about the alleged anti-Semitic hate crime?
NYC tabloids covered their first appearance in court. Quotes were reported: "They are not victims, they are A.I generated. I love Palestine," then "F**k Israel, f**k your white privilege."
On August 27, 2025 the pair appeared in 100 Centre Street, TAP A. Inner City Press was there, along with four observers, no other media. So it live tweeted:
OK - now at NYS case for "assault as a hate crime" on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Oct 7 fliers - People v. Mehwish Omer and Stephanie Gonzalez.
Judge: What is the offer of the People?
ADA: Assault 3 as a hate crime - if they complete the bias program and remain arrest free for a year, time served.
Judge: It is being accepted today? Counsel: No. Judge: So, I'll set a trial date, October 14.
Ms. Omer and Gonzalez, if you deliberately fail to appear, the case will continue. Do you understand, Ms. Omer?
Yes. Yes.
Judge: Parole will be continued
Agnifilo was not the lawyer talking to the duo out in the hall afterwards. Later on August 27 he filed for Oren Alexander about sex trauma abuse.
More on X for Subscribers here and Substack here
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Bronx Woman Who Ripped Off Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity Gets No Prison Time
by Matthew & Russell Lee, Patreon Substack
100 CENTRE STREET, Aug 28 – A woman from the South Bronx pleaded guilty on Thursday to four theft-related counts, including identity theft from Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity.
Also named as victims were Wells Fargo and JP Morgan Chase, a customer of Navy Federal Credit Union and the Department of Labor.
The Manhattan District Office's offer involves no prison time.
Her lawyer said she has already started in on her 100 hours of community service, then came to the back of Justice Felicia Mennin's courtroom, where Inner City Press was covering the early afternoon cases, and handed his client, in shorts, the paperwork.
She is due back in to report on progress on December 4.
And the beat goes on - others of the day's cases reviewed on X for Subscribers here and Substack here.
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In Lively Baldoni Case Judge Liman Says No Jurisdiction Over Perez Hilton Will Not Compel
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Aug 28 – In the Blake Lively v. Justin Baldoni lawsuits, a hearing was held on February 3 before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Lewis J. Liman. Inner City Press was there with live coverage, thread
On February 10, Lively's lawyer asked for delay: "Plaintiff Blake Lively respectfully moves for an extension of time to file her amended complaint to March 5, 2025. Full filing on Patreon here
On February 11 Baldoni's lawyer consented to delay but noted "unnecessary and baseless attacks on non-party Jed Wallace and the litigation pending against Ms. Lively" - filing on Patreon here
On February 25 Baldoni disagreed on the proposed protective order, on Patreon here
On February 28 Baldoni filed to expand the quashing of Lively's subpoena to include Warfarer employees - filing on Patreon here
On July 16, the eve of Lively's deposition, an emergency hearing which Inner City Press live tweeted here.
At 8:30 pm Lively's lawyers wrote in that her deposition is being pushed to July 31.
On July 28 Judge Liman denied a motion by Perez Hilton to seal information, calling it unnecessary - order on Patreon here
He filed a motion in Nevada - then on August 7 filed with Judge Liman, including "This case and your docket has become a circus" - filing on Patreon here
On August 8 Judge Liman docketed an order information any filer not to insult - or to face contempt, order on Patreon here
Twenty days later on August 28 Judge Liman in a 7 page order said the Court "holds that it lacks personal jurisdiction over Lavandeira with respect to the Subpoena. Lively’s motion to compel is thus denied without prejudice for lack of personal jurisdiction" - Order on Patreon here
Back on February 6, a new book "Hollywood Hearsay," ranging from the CRD complaint in California o Jed Wallace's new case in Texas, comparing SDNY defamation cases, including Sarah Palin v NYT. Book here, Audiobook here
More on X for Subscribers here and Substack here, Buy Me a Coffee here
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Bronx District Leader Nicole Torres Sold Poll Worker Jobs Board of Elex Supervisor Supports
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY EXCLUSIVE, Aug 28 – A Republican District Leader in the 81st Assembly District in The Bronx has been indicted for accepting bribes to give out poll worker jobs, as an employee of the Board of Elections.
On August 27 at 2 pm, Nicole Torres was brought by U.S. Marshals before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron. Inner City Press was there, the only media in the SDNY Mag court.
The Assistant US Attorney agreed to release on unsecured $50,000 bond, with a next conference before District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil set for September 10 at 3 pm. The now unsealed indictment alleged that Torres "illegally demanded payments from Bronx residents to herself and a local organization in exchange for selecting individuals as poll workers." Full indictment on Patreon here
On September 10, Torres was arraigned by Judge Vyskocil in a nearly empty courtroom. Inner City Press was there, thread
On December 9 the US Attorney's Office wrote in to cancel the December 17 appearance.
And on March 13 the US Attorney's Office submitted a joint letter to schedule a guilty plea proceeding for April 16.
Inner City Press went, thread
Judge: Are there victims in this case, and if so have they been notified? AUSA: Yes and yes. [A person emailed Inner City Press that he intends to try to speak at this hearing, we'll see]
Judge: Do you take any drugs or medications? Nicole Torres: Medical marijuana, twice a day. Judge: For anxiety? Torres: And pain. Judge: Do you wish to change your plea to guilty? Torres: I do.
Judge: You were charged in seven counts, but I understand the Government has you pleading guilty only to Counts 1 and 5, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, 18 USC 1341. And they have agreed to a sentencing guideline of 70 to 87 months
Sentencing was set for July 8.
Then sentencing was pushed back to August 19, at 2:30 pm; her Federal Defender cited her client's medical concerns and a late pre-sentencing report.
On August 5 the Federal Defender wrote in, on the guideline of 70 to 87 months, saying the request of for no prison, five years probation the first year of which would have a curfew.
On August 12 the US Attorney's Office wrote in asking for 70 months imprisonment.
On August 18 sentencing was pushed back from August 19 to September 2: "NOTICE as to Nicole Torres Sentencing in this matter is ADJOURNED to September 2nd at 2 pm."
On August 28 Nicole Torres' counsel filed letters of support including one from Steven Guglielmi. While his letter doesn't say who he is, and redacts address, he is listed as the director of personnel of the Board of Elections, the governmental agency Torres defrauded...
More on X for Subscribers here and on Substack here
The case is USA v. Torres, 1:24-cr-499 (Vyskocil / Aaron)
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Diddy Lawyer Agnifilo Reps Hate Crime Assault About Oct 7 Poster and Oren Alexander
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
100 CENTRE STREET, Aug 27 – In November 2023 two women were charged with assault as a hate crime for ripping a Star of David off of a 41-year-old woman on West 82nd Street after tearing down fliers about hostages taken in the October 7 attack in Israel.
One of them, Stephanie Gonzalez, has as her lawyer Marc Agnifilo, who represents Sean Combs and now fellow sex abuse defendant Oren Alexander. Is this pro bono?
Inner City Press was in the courtroom for Stephanie Gonzalez' August 27 appearance in 100 Centre Street (where Agnifilo's wire Karen Friedman Agnifilo represents Luigi Mangione). But Agnifilo, who Inner City Press saw up close in the Diddy trial and SDNY elevators, was not there.
Again, is this pro bono? Would Agnifilo represent Gonzalez at the now scheduled trial about the alleged anti-Semitic hate crime?
NYC tabloids covered their first appearance in court. Quotes were reported: "They are not victims, they are A.I generated. I love Palestine," then "F**k Israel, f**k your white privilege."
On August 27, 2025 the pair appeared in 100 Centre Street, TAP A. Inner City Press was there, along with four observers, no other media. So it live tweeted:
OK - now at NYS case for "assault as a hate crime" on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Oct 7 fliers - People v. Mehwish Omer and Stephanie Gonzalez.
Judge: What is the offer of the People?
ADA: Assault 3 as a hate crime - if they complete the bias program and remain arrest free for a year, time served.
Judge: It is being accepted today? Counsel: No. Judge: So, I'll set a trial date, October 14.
Ms. Omer and Gonzalez, if you deliberately fail to appear, the case will continue. Do you understand, Ms. Omer?
Yes. Yes.
Judge: Parole will be continued
Agnifilo was not the lawyer talking to the duo out in the hall afterwards. Later on August 27 he filed for Oren Alexander about sex trauma abuse.
More on X for Subscribers here and Substack here
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Alexander Brother Hired Diddy Lawyers Who Challenge US Rape Trauma Syndrome Expert
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Aug 27 – Amid the news of the arrest of the Alexander brothers in Miami on SDNY sex trafficking charges, in the SDNY Magistrate Court on the morning of December 11 the superseding indictment was "wheeled out" to District Judge Valerie E. Caproni. Inner City Press was there, and tweeted / X-ed it out.
At a press conference, his last as SDNY US Attorney, Damian Williams was asked the underlying first indictment - it is still not public - and about if the brothers will be brought to SDNY. Yes, he said, adding that the mechanics are "not worth getting into."
On December 24 Tal Alexander filed opposing transfer to SDNY - Notice of motion on Patreon here.
On December 31 Tal Alexander's lawyer wrote to Judge Caproni asking for bail, offering $115 million in security, citing US v. Ng Lap Seng that "conditions were adhered to by the security service provider." Really? Massages behind closed doors? 12 page filing on Patreon here
On January 7, Judge Caproni ruled that Tal Alexander can be removed to SDNY and set a hearing: "Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 1:30 P.M. to decide the bail appeals.
Inner City Press live tweeted it here; bail was denied and the next conference set for January 29.
On January 27 they wrote in asking to move that to February 12, to seek local / New York counsel and retrieve their legal papers, full letter on Patreon here
On January 29, "NOTICE OF APPEAL (Interlocutory) by Alon Alexander
On January 31, ADJOURNED to Friday, February 7, 2025
Inner City Press live tweeted on February 7, a dispute about the proposed protective order, and the setting of January 5, 2026 as the trial date, thread here
On May 5 the defense wrote in asking for a conference.
On May 8 the prosecutors docketed a superseding indictment - nine counts with six victims, on Patreon here - and said the defendants' request is moot, arraignment to follow.
On May 12, Judge Caproni issued a new schedule: "The hearing on the pretrial motions, if necessary, is ADJOURNED from Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. to Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 2:00 P.M."
On June 9 Tal Alexander's lawyer wrote in that the US Attorney's Office consented to his request to seal information in his motion to support to seal "photo books used in identification procedures" and other information.
On June 13 Judge Caproni to her credit docketed that "the Court required the parties to comply with Rule 3 of the Undersigned's Individual Practices in Criminal Cases when filing any submission in redacted form or under seal. See Dkt. 57 at 7. That Rule, in turn, requires any party wishing to file a submission in redacted form or under seal to explain why redactions or sealing are appropriate in light of the presumption of public access to the federal courts. See United States v. Akhavan, 532 F. Supp. 3d 181, 184 (S.D.N.Y. 2021) -- a case Inner City Press sought and won unsealing in - citing Lugosch v. Pyramid Co. of Onondaga, 435 F.3d 110, 11920 (2d Cir. 2006))."
On August 21 Oren Alexander retained two of the defense lawyers in Sean Combs' recent trial, Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, amid pre-trial skirmishes.
On August 27 the duo filed asking asking for two more weeks on experts, noting that the US has "a purported expert on rape trauma syndrome" whom they will target with a Daubert motion. Filing on Patreon here
More / extra on X for Subscribers here and on Substack here
This case is USA v. Alexander, et al., 1:24-cr-676 (Caproni)
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