Richard Flores testifies on crime and corruption in shelters
Flores says he has reported crimes at BRC, Bellevue, and Breaking Ground shelters for over a decade, including assaults, larceny, corruption, and fraud. He calls for federal hearings and indictments.
Mr.
Flores, I believe, right?
Yes.
We've spoken before in previous meetings.
Chair Hudson, I've reported incident reports to the NYPD, Department of Inspection, Internal Affairs Bureau, and CCRB regarding crime occurring at city shelters, facilities, and now a safe haven for over a decade to this committee.
The Bowie Residence Committee, Bellevue Hospital Men's Shelter, and Breaking Ground.
So that's two not-for-profit organizations and one city-run shelter.
The crimes that I reported ranged from sexual and physical assaults, grand and petty larceny,
namely corruption and fraud, which if an official, I believe, federal government investigation were held today,
indictments and prosecutions involving numerous public officials as well as private citizens, I believe would be imprisoned for the crimes that they've committed.
For over, pardon me, for over...
A decade, I have witnessed recidivist offenders go unpunished by the United States city, state, federal, and judicial system as a result of past and present legislation that was passed by the United States Congress, the House of Representatives, and the Supreme Court.
In this country.
With regard to the general welfare and public safety, administration after administration that I've witnessed are failing the city of New York and its citizens in a
which can only be defined, I believe, as irreparable insofar as the human condition is concerned.
I hope that's not too broad for everyone here, Ms.
Dalton.
American citizens have been reduced to existing as dependents and liabilities to a government in which, for many, hundreds and thousands, I believe, feels more like a totalitarian nightmare reality for these individuals, including myself.
An amendment to the administrative code requiring reporting on crime statistics at this point in the legislative body, I feel, should be followed up with federal hearings in Washington, D.C., in which I believe indictments and prosecutions would be held
in the United States House of Representatives.
And that's how I feel personally as a person who's been living in the shelter system.
Thank you so much for your testimony.
Thank you all.