Sunday, April 6, 2025
Saturday, April 5, 2025
Friday, April 4, 2025
Robert Panton Is Denied Release from ICE Detention If Removal Delayed Reversal Possible
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, April 4 – On Robert Panton detained by ICE which says it is awaiting Jamaica travel documents to deport, a preliminary injunction hearing was held by U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Katherine Polk Failla. She set another conference for April 4 at 11 am; a ruling is expected. Inner City Press live tweeted, from the thread:
Judge Failla: We're here on a preliminary injunction motion.
Assistant US Attorney: Mr. Panton is detained pending the receipt of travel documents from Jamaica...
Panton's lawyer: He's turned his life around, he's helping in the community. There's a lot the government has not considered. So we have a likelihood of success on the merits.
Judge Failla: I don't think a preliminary injunction that includes a stay against removal. But I can imagine ordering his release.
AUSA: Mapp v. Reno sets a high standard. There's nothing here that rises to it
Judge: we'll reconvene at 11 am.
At 11 am on April 4, Judge Failla denied the motion for release, from the thread:
Judge Failla: I do believe DHS has the authority to detain Mr. Panton - I do not believe he has a likelihood of success on the merits. There was some question about the delegation issue. I am accepting AUSA Sun's representation
Judge Failla: The presence of counsel would have been better, but was not required. I will not make a finding of irreparable harm, at this point, one week. I might have a different view later. I believe Mr. Panton has made stride to rehabilitation. But no relief
The case is Panton v. Joyce, et al., 1:25-cv-2451 (Failla)
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In Sean Combs Case Now Superseding Indictment Has Special Sentencing Factors
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, April 4 – At 4:30 pm on September 16 Inner City Press was told by its SDNY source to expect "the big one" - Sean Combs - the next day in the courtroom here.
At US Attorney Damian Williams' press conference Inner City Press asked if his office would be seeking detention - Yes, he said. Detention memo on Patreon here.
[Inner City Press published book / audio book Diddy Do It? on Sept 20 on Amazon here]
On December 16, in the run-up to the December 18 conference, letter on Patreon here.
On January 14 Combs' lawyers filed a motion saying the prosecution is "sexist and puritanical" and that it is consensual - 7 page letter on Patreon here
On January 29 Judge Subramanian denied Combs' motion. Order on Patreon here.
On February 18 Combs through counsel moved to dismiss Count 3, calling it racist, on Patreon here
Early on February 21 lawyer Tony Ricco filed to withdraw, on Patreon here.
On the evening of Sunday, February 23 Combs' remaining lawyers filed a heavily-redacted motion to suppress evidence seized in LA and Miami and on iCloud, on Patreon here
On March 6 Judge Subramanian ordered the Government to provide requested information on or before March 10, 2025" Order on Patreon here
On March 13 the parties submitted a joint letter with a full page redacted, in which Combs asks for 300 prospective jurors and a questionnaire, 8 page letter on Patreon here
On April 4 the US Attorney's Office docketed their new superseding indictment including "an additional substantive count of sex trafficking; Count One is amended to include a 2d special sentencing factor" - filings (superseder and letter) on Patreon here
Extra/analysis on X for Subscribers here & Substack here
The case is USA v. Combs, 1:24-cr-542 (Subramanian)
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After Mixed Verdict on Drill Rapper Kay Flock New Motion to Acquit Raises Doubt Like Book
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, April 3 – Two days after the mixed jury verdict in US v. Kevin Perez, the Bronx-based drill rapper known as Kay Flock, a book was published about the trial, "Courthouse Rap." On Amazon here.
Two weeks later, Kay Flock's lawyer filed a motion for acquittal, including arguing that "The individual in the 4646 Park Avenue Surveillance footage wearing a blue jacket was not Mr. Perez; The assailant in the RPT shooting was the individual wearing a blue jacket in the [4]6[4]6 Park Avenue surveillance footage; There is no evidence in the record, however, which would lead a rational juror to reasonably infer that Defendant brandished or discharged a firearm in connection with the RPT Shooting." Full filing on Patreon here.
For now, the book compares this 2025 trial to the previous trial involving Tekashi 6ix9ine as a cooperating witness, before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Paul A. Engelmayer. Inner City Press covered both cases, as it is covering that of Sean Combs and others. The book begins:
In outlaw music there is always the question of authenticity. Daniel Hernandez became Tekashi 6ix9ine and hooked up with the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods to shoot a video. Then he became their cash cow, and some of them became his muscle, shoot-out in a Barclay's Center hallway.
They turned on Tekashi and he became a cooperator against them, returning to SDNY on violations of supervised release then back out on the concert tour.
For drill rapper Kay Flock it was different. He really was from Sev Side, 187th Street. He wasn't an appendage to his group: he was central to it. When with seven he was indicted, he did not cooperate. He took it to trial.
Inner City Press covered both cases. While the Tekashi 6ix9ine trial was covered by other journalists, there was only one media in the courtroom for US versus Kay Flock, born as Kevin Perez. His mother came each day, and three dozen supporters from the neighborhood.
The author [Matthew Russell Lee] knows, or knew, the neighborhood well, having lived there for years: first car on Beaumont Avenue, first storefront on Courtlandt then Washington Avenues. Now after a stint at the UN ending in UN gangsters ousting, covering the SDNY courthouse for these trials. This book starts with the just-completed Kay Flock trial, then compares it to Tekashi 6ix9ine. Should music be on trial? Should authenticity?
Book and audiobook on Amazon here
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After Mixed Verdict on Drill Rapper Kay Flock New Motion to Acquit Raises Doubt Like Book
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, April 3 – Two days after the mixed jury verdict in US v. Kevin Perez, the Bronx-based drill rapper known as Kay Flock, a book was published about the trial, "Courthouse Rap." On Amazon here.
Two weeks later, Kay Flock's lawyer filed a motion for acquittal, including arguing that "The individual in the 4646 Park Avenue Surveillance footage wearing a blue jacket was not Mr. Perez; The assailant in the RPT shooting was the individual wearing a blue jacket in the [4]6[4]6 Park Avenue surveillance footage; There is no evidence in the record, however, which would lead a rational juror to reasonably infer that Defendant brandished or discharged a firearm in connection with the RPT Shooting." Full filing on Patreon here.
For now, the book compares this 2025 trial to the previous trial involving Tekashi 6ix9ine as a cooperating witness, before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Paul A. Engelmayer. Inner City Press covered both cases, as it is covering that of Sean Combs and others. The book begins:
In outlaw music there is always the question of authenticity. Daniel Hernandez became Tekashi 6ix9ine and hooked up with the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods to shoot a video. Then he became their cash cow, and some of them became his muscle, shoot-out in a Barclay's Center hallway.
They turned on Tekashi and he became a cooperator against them, returning to SDNY on violations of supervised release then back out on the concert tour.
For drill rapper Kay Flock it was different. He really was from Sev Side, 187th Street. He wasn't an appendage to his group: he was central to it. When with seven he was indicted, he did not cooperate. He took it to trial.
Inner City Press covered both cases. While the Tekashi 6ix9ine trial was covered by other journalists, there was only one media in the courtroom for US versus Kay Flock, born as Kevin Perez. His mother came each day, and three dozen supporters from the neighborhood.
The author [Matthew Russell Lee] knows, or knew, the neighborhood well, having lived there for years: first car on Beaumont Avenue, first storefront on Courtlandt then Washington Avenues. Now after a stint at the UN ending in UN gangsters ousting, covering the SDNY courthouse for these trials. This book starts with the just-completed Kay Flock trial, then compares it to Tekashi 6ix9ine. Should music be on trial? Should authenticity?
Book and audiobook on Amazon here
***
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Feedback: Editorial [at] innercitypress.com
Rapper Jeezy Mula in Murder for Hire Case Challenges MDC Cell Search So SDNY Hearing
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, April 3 – A woman was indicted for murder for hire in September 2024 and her case assigned to U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Analisa Torres. She was writted in from Miami to the SDNY Magistrates Court, which Inner City Press closely covers.
The murder was committed around Christmas 2023. The victim was Clarisa Burgos.
On October 4, the SDNY prosecutors wrote to Judge Torres that "DOJ has authorized this Office not to seek the death penalty."
On October 15, co-defendant Smith was in the SDNY Magistrates Court. Inner City Press as only media there live tweeted, from thread:
AUSA: He orchestrated multiple shooting, with a person already detained.
Judge: The US has met its burden. A woman is dead, due to the alleged use of a cell phone. There are messages. I note your extensive international travel, and lack of visible means to support it. You will be detained.
Note: the judge asked about Smith's "a/k/a" on the indictment and was told it was just his Instagram handle. And on that page, nine photos - more on X for Subscribers here, and Substack here
On October 17, Jeezy Mula, whose cases Inner City Press has previously covered, was added. Inner City Press, and as only media in the Mag court live tweeted, thread
On April 3, 2025, with the case transferred to Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, a hearing was held about the MDC cell search. Inner City Press thread here
AUSA: What was his demeanor, usually? Lt Ubiera: He was usually calm. But on that day, he was worked up. AUSA: Is this a copy of his disciplinary record? Defense: Objection! Relevance. Judge: I'll allow it.
Lt. Ubiera: Yes. In MCC, he denied it was his. Then this, in the MDC... AUSA: Would you have searched his cell if the tip came not from law enforcement but another inmate? Lt. Ubiera: Yes. AUSA: No further questions
The case is USA v. Harris, et al., 1:24-cr-541 (Engelmayer)
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Darden Conned NBA Dwight Howard on Buying WNBA Dream Now Gets 151 Months
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, April 3 – Calvin Darden Jr. was on trial for defrauding NBA player Dwight Howard to convince him he was buying the WNBA team the Atlanta Dream. Inner City Press is covering the trial. September 30 thread
Then, the conviction of CALVIN DARDEN, JR. for his role in defrauding former National Basketball Association players Dwight Howard and Chandler Parsons out of $8 million. The defendant was found guilty following an 11-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick.
On December 23, Judge Broderick revoked his bail and jailed him: "Defendant Calvin Darden, Jr., present, defendant's bail has been revoked. Defendant is remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal's Service."
On January 21, 2025 the US Attorney's Office wrote in asking for the top of the guidelines - 168 months - on January 27.
But it was delayed, as his family wanted to come: " The sentencing scheduled for January 27, 2025 is hereby adjourned. The parties should meet and confer concerning days in March 2025 when they are available for sentencing, and inform the Court in a joint letter on or before January 28, 2025. No further adjournments will be granted."
And on January 31 it was re-set: "The sentencing in this matter is scheduled for March 26, 2025.
On March 19 the US Attorney's Office submitted a 10 page letter advocating for a upward departure, ranging from "real estate transactions as violations of Federal law" to violations of pre-trial release conditions.
On March 25 Judge Broderick denied Darden's motion for acquittal or a new trial, which had cited an email to the prosecutors from one of their witnesses, Jennifer Baltimore, that "a friend is interested in purchasing the Darden residence." Judge Broderick noted this was just a friend, and concluded "I have no concern 'an innocent person may have been convicted.'"
On March 26, sentencing did not occur due to "an incident at the MDC." On March 31, defense counsel wrote in asking for sentencing on April 2 at 2:30 pm.
In advance of that, Judge Broderick rightly docketed: "As Defendant has recently suffered an injury, I find that it is necessary to conduct a direct colloquy with Darden Jr. to confirm the knowing and voluntary nature of his waiver request. That colloquy will occur at the beginning of the time reserved for sentencing on April 2, 2025 at 2:30 pm, and if I am satisfied that Darden Jr. has made a knowing and voluntary waiver, he will be excused for the remainder of the proceeding."
Inner City Press went - but it was locked. In the docket:
Then saw: "Sentencing is hereby ADJOURNED to April 3, 2025 at 1:00 pm."
Inner City Press went. Darden was present, then at his request taken out by Marshals. Judge Broderick after argument sentenced him to 151 months, with Georgia requested.
More on X for Subscribers here and Substack here
The case is USA v. Cohen, et al., 1:23-cr-134 (Broderick)
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Fed Extends Its Time on FOIA Appeal of Capital One Talks as Rocket Eyes Mr Cooper
SOUTH BRONX, April 3 – After Capital One applied to buy Discover, in an anticompetitive deal that should be rejected by regulators, now Rocket announces a plan to buy Mr. Cooper, after Redfin. Expect more - including questions.
On March 3, days after the CFPB dropped its lawsuit against Capital One, the OCC suddenly declared Capital One "Outstanding" under the Community Reinvestment Act. Who's in the OCC's wallet, now?
Back on July 26, after a FOIA appeal - and after closing the public comment period - the OCC belatedly gave Inner City Press documents showing Capital One briefed the OCC on a "big" deal in November 2023; it was code named "Project Sirius." That and more now on Inner City Press' DocumentCloud here
Now Inner City Press' FOIA to the Fed resulted in 1000 plus pages, but redactions. It appealed, and on March 11 was granted expedited processing.
Now on April 3, another extension: "we are extending the period for our response until April 17, 2025, in order to consult with two or more components of the Board having a substantial interest in the determination of the appeal. If a determination can be made before April 17, 2025, we will respond to you promptly." So will they rule on FOIA before they rule on the merger? Watch this site.
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CFPB Kneecaps HMDA Analysis as Feds Drop CRA Rule as Fed Hides Talks with Capital One
SOUTH BRONX / DC, April 2 – Before Capital One announced and applied to buy Discover, they and their law firm were allowed to meet secretly with the Federal Reserve, see below.
After they applied late March 20, 2024 Inner City Press submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the Fed. While they granted expedited treatment, they delayed nearly a near before on March 4, 2025 dumping over 1000 redacted pages.
On March 28 the Fed has announced that "the federal bank regulatory agencies today announced, in light of pending litigation, their intent to issue a proposal to both rescind the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) final rule issued in October 2023 and reinstate the CRA framework that existed prior."
On March 31 the CFPB cut back on how HMDA data is provided; on April 2 Fair Finance Watch petitioned the Fed "to take emergency measures to ensure public access to simply analyzable data under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA), including the 2024 data. Until now - for 2023 and before - CFPB has provided a filtering page for HMDA data, searchable by geography and applicant characteristics.
On March 31 the CFPB rather than adding 2024 data to the filtering site linked above put up only modified LARS by institution and a large raw data date for which it provided a warning.
The effect of this is to make it significantly more difficult for community groups to analyze and compare lenders' HMDA data. The FRB should put a simple collating / analyzing web interface with the 2024 up forthwith.
The Fed's late-provided FOIA documents begin with ex parte meetings between the bank, its law firm and the Fed - telephone calls in February 2024, and a meeting inside the Fed on March 7, 2024 (the Fed waited until March 4, 2025 to disclose this). 1000 page on Inner City Press' DocumentCloud here. 200+ more pages here. FOIA determination letter here
Inner City Press has filed a FOIA appeal to the Federal Reserve - and raised it in a March 21 comments, along with a new Bank for International Settlements study that cries out for denial of the merger.
On March 24, the Fed's response: "Because your letter was received after the end of the public comment period, it will not be made a part of the record of this case unless the Board in its sole discretion determines to consider your late comments." Yeah, discretion...
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In Drake UMG Lawsuit About Not Like Us Discovery Not Stayed As Complaint Amended
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, April 2 – In Drake's lawsuit against UMG for Kendrick Lamar's song "Not Like Us," a hearing was held on April 2 before U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Jeannette N. Vargas. She denied UMG's motion to stay discovery. Inner City Press was there, from the thread:
Judge Vargas: You say there are 16 RFP [Requests for Production] pending - any third party discovery?
Drake's Willkie Farr lawyer: We've served three third-party subpoenas, and we are trying to serve a fourth. They will go forward is discovery is not stayed
Judge Vargas: I cannot find on that basis that a stay of discovery is warranted. Here there is only one defendant, which weighs against staying discovery. UMG can object to individual requests. The motion to stay discovery is denied.
More on X for Subscribers here and Substack here
The case is Graham v. UMG Recordings, Inc., 1:25-cv-399 (Vargas)
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Eric Adams Bribery Case Dismissed With Prejudice in SDNY on Day Befor Petitions Due
by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, April 2 – The five-count indictment of NYC Mayor Eric Adams was unsealed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Magistrates Court. Inner City Press was the first one in and live tweeted it. City of Maybe book
The unsealing thread
On September 17 at noon he was arraigned and pleaded not guilty. Thread.
On February 10, 2025 DOJ's Emil Bove - a former SDNY prosecutor - wrote to acting US Attorney Danielle Sassoon ordering her to move to dismiss the case. Sovereign District book here
On February 14 after 6 pm, DOJ's Edward Sullivan filed a nolle prosequi.
On February 17 Inner City Press filed an application to unseal: "On February 12, 2025 as Dkt No. 117 on PACER it was stated "SEALED DOCUMENT placed in vault." This is a request to unseal this and all other sealed and/or redacted documents in this case. It is imperative there be access to the entire docket."
On February 21, after argument, SDNY Judge Ho adjourned the trial but did not yet dismiss the indictment, instead appointing an amicus.
Early on February 26 Adams' lawyer Spiro filed a motion to dismiss with prejudice, on Patreon here.
On March 6 Paul Clement in a 26 page brief recommended that Judge Ho dismiss the indictment WITH prejudice.
On March 31 Spiro wrote in asking for a prompt decision, noting petitions due April 3, letter on Patreon here
On April 2, Judge Ho ruled: "DOJ does not seek to end this case once and for all. Rather, its request, if granted, would leave Mayor Adams under the specter of reindictment at essentially any time, and for essentially any reason. The Court declines, in its limited discretion under Rule 48(a), to endorse that outcome. Instead, it dismisses this case with prejudice—meaning that the Government may not bring the charges in the Indictment against Mayor Adams in the future."
More on X for Subscribers here & Substack here
The Adams case is USA v. Adams, 1:24-cr-556 (Ho)
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