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Category: Political and Social Justice

  • NYC Council Member Arrested Protesting Eviction

    A protest against an eviction in Bedford-Stuyvesant took a shocking turn when New York City Council Member Chi Ossé was violently arrested by NYPD officers. Ossé, a vocal advocate against ‘deed theft’ and for renters’ rights, was present to support a constituent facing eviction from her home.

    Protest Turns Into Arrest

    Video footage captured the moment officers tackled Ossé to the ground before arresting him. The council member, who is also the son of the late hip-hop journalist Combat Jack, was among several protesters attempting to block city marshals from entering the property. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with City Council Speaker Julie Menin calling the arrest “concerning” and describing Ossé as having been “aggressively pushed.”

    The NYPD stated that Ossé was charged with obstructing governmental administration, a misdemeanor, and two counts of disorderly conduct. He was later released from jail on Wednesday afternoon. The protest centered on the case of Carmella Charrington, the homeowner facing eviction.

    The Issue of Deed Theft

    Deed theft is a predatory practice where scammers illegally transfer property ownership, often by defrauding homeowners, particularly targeting older residents with significant home equity. While state officials indicated this specific dispute might not be a clear case of deed theft, the practice remains a major concern in New York City, especially in gentrifying neighborhoods with large Black populations.

    Ossé has been a staunch advocate for stronger protections against deed theft and has consistently championed renters’ rights. Following his arrest, he released a statement calling for an immediate moratorium on evictions linked to deed theft, emphasizing, “Not another Black homeowner should have their home stolen.”

    Support and Follow-Up

    Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the incident, stating that while he hadn’t seen the video, the description was “incredibly concerning.” He affirmed that the city would follow up on both the nature of the arrest and the underlying issue being protested, acknowledging Ossé’s ongoing efforts to combat deed theft in his district.

    What are your thoughts on Council Member Ossé’s arrest and the fight against deed theft? Share your views in the comments below.

  • Podcaster Gets 7 Years for COVID Unemployment Scam

    The host of the “Rich and Unemployed” podcast, Jonathan Dupiton, is facing a significant prison sentence. On April 14, 2026, the 36-year-old Atlanta resident was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for his involvement in a multimillion-dollar unemployment scam that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    A Scheme Exploiting Pandemic Hardship

    Dupiton pleaded guilty on January 13 to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, along with aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors revealed that during a time when many citizens were struggling with job loss, Dupiton and his associates exploited taxpayer-funded programs by submitting fraudulent unemployment benefit applications using hundreds of stolen identities.

    U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg stated, “His sentence underscores that anyone who seeks to exploit taxpayer-funded programs will be aggressively prosecuted and face substantial prison time.” The scheme specifically targeted California’s Unemployment Insurance program between July 2020 and early 2021.

    How the Scam Unfolded

    Operating from a halfway house following a previous fraud conviction, Dupiton and his conspirators utilized a VPN to submit fake applications online. Once approved, they rerouted the unemployment benefit debit cards to mailing addresses in Georgia, including Dupiton’s own. The illicit funds were then withdrawn from ATMs, primarily in the metro Atlanta area.

    In total, the operation successfully defrauded the system of approximately $3,800,000 in UI benefits. Dupiton and his crew managed to withdraw or spend over $2 million of these illegally obtained funds.

    A Strong Message Against Fraud

    Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Labor, emphasized the seriousness of the crime: “Jonathan Dupiton stole identities and filed hundreds of fraudulent claims to steal nearly $3 million in unemployment benefits meant for struggling Americans.” He added, “His sentencing sends a strong message: if you exploit federal programs and steal from taxpayers, my office will relentlessly pursue you.”

    Following his seven-year prison sentence, Dupiton will also serve three years of supervised release. A future hearing will determine the exact amount of restitution he must pay. The case serves as a stark reminder that exploiting public assistance programs carries severe consequences.

    What are your thoughts on this sentencing and the impact of such scams during the pandemic? Share your views in the comments below.