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  • Atax New York, Inc., Atax Franchise, Inc., Atax Cloud Bookkeeping, Inc. v. Joel Canela #1, Alcides Mendoza alias JOEL CANELA a/k/a JOEL CANELA #2, Sterling Mateo, Ingrid Lamarche, Walber Lugo, Arcadio Consulting Inc., F1 Consulting Services, Inc., Joel Canela #2 a/k/a ALCIDES MENDOZA d/b/a F1 CONSULTING SERVICES Commercial - Other (Recovery-former employees) document preview
  • Atax New York, Inc., Atax Franchise, Inc., Atax Cloud Bookkeeping, Inc. v. Joel Canela #1, Alcides Mendoza alias JOEL CANELA a/k/a JOEL CANELA #2, Sterling Mateo, Ingrid Lamarche, Walber Lugo, Arcadio Consulting Inc., F1 Consulting Services, Inc., Joel Canela #2 a/k/a ALCIDES MENDOZA d/b/a F1 CONSULTING SERVICES Commercial - Other (Recovery-former employees) document preview
  • Atax New York, Inc., Atax Franchise, Inc., Atax Cloud Bookkeeping, Inc. v. Joel Canela #1, Alcides Mendoza alias JOEL CANELA a/k/a JOEL CANELA #2, Sterling Mateo, Ingrid Lamarche, Walber Lugo, Arcadio Consulting Inc., F1 Consulting Services, Inc., Joel Canela #2 a/k/a ALCIDES MENDOZA d/b/a F1 CONSULTING SERVICES Commercial - Other (Recovery-former employees) document preview
  • Atax New York, Inc., Atax Franchise, Inc., Atax Cloud Bookkeeping, Inc. v. Joel Canela #1, Alcides Mendoza alias JOEL CANELA a/k/a JOEL CANELA #2, Sterling Mateo, Ingrid Lamarche, Walber Lugo, Arcadio Consulting Inc., F1 Consulting Services, Inc., Joel Canela #2 a/k/a ALCIDES MENDOZA d/b/a F1 CONSULTING SERVICES Commercial - Other (Recovery-former employees) document preview
						
                                

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FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 05/21/2019 09:44 PM INDEX NO. 20827/2019E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 37 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/21/2019 SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF THE BRONX ----------------------------------------------------------------------------x ATAX NEW YORK, INC. ATAX FRANCHISE, INC. ATAX CLOUD BOOKKEEPING, INC., Plaintiffs, Index No.: 20827/2019E -against- JOEL CANELA #1, ALCIDES MENDOZA alias JOEL CANELA a/k/a JOEL CANELA #2, STERLING MATEO, INGRID LAMARCHE, WALBER LUGO, ARCADIO CONSULTING INC., FI CONSULTING SERVICES, INC., and JOEL CANELA #2 a/k/a ALCIDES MENDOZA d/b/a FI CONSULTING SERVICES, Defendants ----------------------------------------------------------------------------x AFFIRMATION IN REPLY TO PLAINTFFS’ OPPOSITION TO MOTION TO DISMISS And IN FURTHER SUPPORT OF MOTION TO DISMISS WILLIAM A. GARCIA, an attorney duly admitted to practice law in the State of New York, affirms the following under penalty of perjury: 1. I am the attorney for Joel Canela, sued here as Joel Canela #1 (hereinafter “Defendant” or “Canela #1”), and I submit this affirmation in reply to Plaintiffs’ opposition to Defendant’s Motionto Dismiss and in further support of Defendant’s motion to dismiss the complaint by Plaintiffs pursuant to CPLR § 3211(a)(7) in that the pleadings fail allege sufficient facts to state a cause of action against Defendant. 2. I am fully familiar with the facts and circumstances set forth herein based upon my conversations with Defendant, the affidavit of Defendant and exhibits annexed hereto, and the file related to this case. {3604/19-1008/00063372 /} 1 1 of 19 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 05/21/2019 09:44 PM INDEX NO. 20827/2019E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 37 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/21/2019 3. In his Motion to Dismiss, Defendant Joel Canela #1 seeks to dismiss all causes of action raised in Plaintiffs’ complaint (Affirmation of William A. Garcia dated May 1, 2019, Par. 8). More specifically, Defendant seeks to dismiss the First, Second, and Third Causes of Action for failure to state a claim. 4. Plaintiffs have opposed Joel Canela #1’s Motion to Dismiss through the Affirmation of Daniel T. Saltus, dated May 17, 2019 (the “Daltus Affr.”). The First Cause of Action should be Dismissed Pursuant to CPLR 3211(a)(7) 5. In sum, the First Cause of Action alleges that Defendants are liable to Plaintiffs for damages for breach of the non-compete agreement through conspiratorial activities of fraud, deceit, criminal theft, cyber fraud, cyber theft, commercial theft, and illegal transfer of property, funds, income, and other valuable assets. Plaintiffs Improperly Attempt to Amend the First Cause of Action To Include a Cause of Action for Fraud and Other Related Tortious Activities 6. In their opposition papers, Plaintiffs allege that the First Cause of Action is not just based upon a breach of a non-compete agreement, but is also based upon, among others, conspiracy to commit tortious activity. See Daltus Affr., Par. 19-20. {3604/19-1008/00063372 /} 2 2 of 19 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 05/21/2019 09:44 PM INDEX NO. 20827/2019E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 37 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/21/2019 7. This is an unsupported characterization of what the pleadings attempt to state and an improper attempt to amend the Complaint. For example, Plaintiffs’ demand for relief under the First Cause of Action states that: Based upon the foregoing, the Plaintiffs are entitled to monetary damages and a judgment and/or summary judgment declaring upon the grounds that the Defendants as set forth in the allegations hereinabove as to the conspiratorial wrongful activities, committed by all individual, company, and corporate named Defendants by acts of fraud, deceit, criminal theft, cyberfraud and cybertheft, commercial theft, illegal transfer of property, funds, income, and other valuable commercial assert [sic] and additionally, breached the non-compete agreement as set forth above. See Complaint, Par. 135. 8. Thus, in sum and substance, Paragraph 135 states that “Plaintiffs are entitled to monetary damages and a judgment . . . upon the grounds that the Defendants . . . breached the non-compete agreement as set forth above.” 9. The clauses contained within the sentence mentioning fraud, deceit, criminal theft, cyberfraud, etc. are all attendant circumstances that explain how the breach is alleged to have taken place. They are not separate causes of action. 10. This is confirmed by the preceding allegations contained within the First Cause of Action which all claim that there was an intent to steal Plaintiffs’ clients in violation of the non-compete agreement. The allegations preceding Paragraph 135 of the Complaint in the First Cause of Action do not speak of any fraud, deceit, criminal theft, cyberfraud and cybertheft, commercial theft, illegal transfer of property, funds, income, and other valuable commercial assets. {3604/19-1008/00063372 /} 3 3 of 19 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 05/21/2019 09:44 PM INDEX NO. 20827/2019E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 37 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/21/2019 11. Had Plaintiffs sought damages and judgment in the First Cause of Action for fraud, deceit, etc., Plaintiffs had to clearly alleged sufficient facts with particularity regarding the that fraud, deceit, etc. 12. Contrary to what Plaintiffs now claim, the First Cause of Action demands damages for breach of an alleged non-compete agreement to which Canela #1 was never a party. 13. However, a party seeking to enforce an agreement bears the burden of proving the existence of the agreement, its terms, and its validity. See Eden Temporary Services, Inc. v House of Excellence, Inc. 270 A.D.2d 66, 704 N.Y.S.2d 239 (1st Dept 2000) (citing Paz v. Singer Co. , 151 A.D.2d 234, 235, 542 N.Y.S.2d 10 (1st Dept. 1989). 14. Here, while Plaintiffs have alleged that they entered into an agreement with Defendant Alcide Mendoza, alias Joel Canela, a/k/a Joel Canela #2 (Complaint, Pars. 76 et seq.), Plaintiffs have failed to allege that they entered into any agreement with Defendant Joel Canela #1. Unsupported Characterization of the Allegations 15. Plaintiffs’ opposition to Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss begin with unsupported characterizations of the facts alleged in the Complaint. For example, in Paragraph 3 of the Daltus Affr., Plaintiffs argue that Canela #1 “knowingly allowed the Defendant, Alcides Mendoza . . . to use the name ‘Joel Canela’ for purposes of falsely identifying himself to the public, including to Plaintiffs, knowing that Canela #2 would use that identity to {3604/19-1008/00063372 /} 4 4 of 19 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 05/21/2019 09:44 PM INDEX NO. 20827/2019E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 37 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/21/2019 commit . . . fraud. . . .” (Emphasis added). Plaintiffs cite to Paragraphs 104 and 108 of the Complaint. 16. However, nothing contained in Paragraphs 1041 or 1082, or in the Complaint, support the proposition that the alleged acts, even if true, were taken with the purpose of having Alcides Mendoza falsely identify himself to the public, or “knowing” that Alcides Mendoza would commit any wrongful act including fraud, or theft. 17. However, there are no allegations whatsoever of facts related to the elements of fraud, deceit, criminal theft, etc. 18. What is clear from the allegations in the Complaint is that Plaintiffs cannot rely upon any claim of false identity because at all times Plaintiffs knew that Alcides Mendoza was not Joel Canela. 19. As alleged by Plaintiffs, Alcides Mendoza started to use Joel Canela #1’s identity while working for Plaintiffs. This is evident from Paragraph 104, which states that “Alcides Mendoza . . . while employed by the Plaintiffs, obtained permission from Defendant, Joel Canela #1 for his name to be used as an alias and false identity for Defendant . . . .” (Emphasis added). 1 Paragraph 104 states that “Upon information and belief, the Defendant, Alcides Mendoza . . . while employed by the Plaintiffs, obtained permission from Defendant, Joel Canela #1 for his name to be used as an alias and false identity for Defendant, Alcides Mendoza in order to commit fraud, deceit, criminal theft, cyber fraud and cybertheft . . . .” 2 Paragraph 108 simply states (also upon information and belief) that “Joel Canela #1, knowingly allowed his name to be used as an alias and false identity by Joel Canela #2 in the commission of a fraud, deceit, criminal theft, cyberfraud and cybertheft . . . .” (Emphasis added). {3604/19-1008/00063372 /} 5 5 of 19 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 05/21/2019 09:44 PM INDEX NO. 20827/2019E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 37 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/21/2019 20. Furthermore, Plaintiffs admit that at the time of “some of the events alleged herein, the Defendant, Alcides Mendoza . . . was an employee” of the Plaintiffs. (See Paragraphs 61, 62, and 63 of the Complaint). 21. The non-compete agreement was signed by Alcides Mendoza “[p]rior to commencing and during his employment with Plaintiffs.” (Paragraph 76 of the Complaint.). 22. Thus, prior to and during the terms of employment with Plaintiffs, Plaintiffs knew that Alcides Mendoza was not Joel Canela #1. Yet, Plaintiffs permitted Alcides Mendoza to work for Plaintiffs while using the name and/or identity of Joel Canela #1. 23. In addition to Plaintiffs knowing that Alcides Mendoza was using Joel Canela #1’s identity, nothing contained in the Complaint remotely suggests that the alleged breach of the non-compete agreement resulted from Alcides Mendoza’s use of Joel Canela #1’s identity or that Joel Canela #1 caused Alcides Mendoza to breach the non-compete agreement. Breach of Non-Compete Through Conspiratorial Activities 24. While Plaintiffs do not specifically state that Canela #1 breached the non- compete agreement, in effect, by clumping everyone into the group of “Defendants” in this case, Plaintiffs are attempting to claim that Canela #1 breached the non-compete agreement through the enumerated conspiratorial activities. {3604/19-1008/00063372 /} 6 6 of 19 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 05/21/2019 09:44 PM INDEX NO. 20827/2019E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 37 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/21/2019 25. Plaintiffs also argue that the elements to establish a civil conspiracy have been met and that, as such, the motion to dismiss must be denied. However, Plaintiffs argument is not supported by the pleadings in the Complaint. 26. It is well settled that “New York does not recognize an independent cause of action for conspiracy to commit a civil tort.” Abacus Federal Savings Bank v. Lim, 75 A.D.3d 472, 474 (N.Y. App. Div. 2010) (citing Romano v Romano, 2 AD3d 430, 432 [2003]. 27. “Allegations of conspiracy are permitted only to connect the actions of separate defendants with an otherwise actionable tort." See Alexander Alexander of New York, Inc. v. Fritzen, 68 N.Y.2d 968, 969 (N.Y. 1986) (stating that “a mere conspiracy to commit a [tort] is never of itself a cause of action”). 28. “Therefore, under New York law, to establish a claim of civil conspiracy, the plaintiff ‘must demonstrate the primary tort, plus the following four elements: (1) an agreement between two or more parties; (2) an overt act in furtherance of the agreement; (3) the parties' intentional participation in the furtherance of a plan or purpose; and (4) resulting damage or injury.’” Abacus, id at 474 (quoting World Wrestling Fedn. Entertainment, Inc. v Bozell, 142 F Supp 2d 514, 532 [SD NY 2001]). 29. Plaintiffs allege conspiratorial activities related to fraud, deceit, criminal theft, and other activities. However, Plaintiffs have failed to allege with particularity sufficient facts related to the primary tort (the alleged fraud, deceit, criminal theft, and other related activities). {3604/19-1008/00063372 /} 7 7 of 19 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 05/21/2019 09:44 PM INDEX NO. 20827/2019E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 37 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/21/2019 30. Under Abacus, Id. at 474, Plaintiffs must demonstrate the primary tort in addition to the four other elements. Here, Plaintiffs have not only failed to state sufficient facts related to the four elements, but have also failed to allege sufficient facts to state a cause of action for the primary torts. 31. For example, to state a claim for fraud, a plaintiff must allege a material misrepresentation of fact, knowledge of its falsity, an intent to induce reliance, justifiable reliance by the plaintiff and damages. Eurycleia Partners, LP v. Seward & Kissel, LLP, 12 N.Y.3d 553, 558 (2009). The allegations must be stated with particularity to satisfy CPLR 3016(b). Id. Thus, the plaintiff must provide sufficient facts to support a “reasonable inference” that the allegations of fraud are true. Id. at 559-60. Conclusory allegations will not suffice. Id. Neither will allegations based on information and belief. See Facebook, Inc. v. DLA Piper LLP (US), 134 A.D.3d 610, 615 (1st Dept. 2015) (“Statements made in pleadings upon information and belief are not sufficient to establish the necessary quantum of proof to sustain allegations of fraud.”). 32. Plaintiffs have not only failed to allege the existence of a non-compete agreement with Joel Canela #1, but they have also failed to allege sufficient facts with particularity related to the purported fraud, deceit, criminal theft, cyberfraud, cybertheft, commercial theft, illegal transfer of property, funds, income, and other valuable commercial assets, and any related activities by anyone, including Joel Canela #1. 33. Consequently, the First Cause of Action should be dismissed. {3604/19-1008/00063372 /} 8 8 of 19 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 05/21/2019 09:44 PM INDEX NO. 20827/2019E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 37 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/21/2019 Plaintiffs’ Reliance upon Adames v. Velasquez and related cases is Misplaced 34. Plaintiffs allege that redress from the consequences of fraud may be had against persons shown to have “aided and abetted” in its commission. Plaintiff relies upon Adames v. Velasquez, 19 Misc. 3d 881, 889 (N.Y. Misc. 2008) to support such proposition. However, Adames v. Velasquez dealt with a lab technician who is alleged to have performed dental services upon a patient. The wife was the real dentist and she knew about the fact that Velasquez was holding himself out as a dentist. Id. at 35. The Court in the case held that Adames had “adequately pleaded the elements of a cause of action for fraud against defendant Velasquez by alleging that (1) defendant Velasquez made material representations that were false or concealed a material existing fact, (2) defendant Velasquez knew the representations were false and made them with the intent to deceive the plaintiff, (3) the plaintiff was deceived, (4) the plaintiff justifiably relied on the representations made by defendant Velasquez, and (5) the plaintiff was injured as a result of the representations made by defendant Velasquez.” Id. at 890. 36. Furthermore, the Court held that “[p]ursuant to the doctrine of respondeat superior, Adames has also adequately stated a cause of action for fraud against [the wife] and the defendant businesses by alleging, inter alia, that defendant Velasquez was their employee who held himself out as a dentist, with their permission. If defendant Velasquez is found to have committed a fraud, {3604/19-1008/00063372 /} 9 9 of 19 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 05/21/2019 09:44 PM INDEX NO. 20827/2019E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 37 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/21/2019 liability could also attach to defendant Dr. Nino and the defendant businesses.” Id. at 890 (N.Y. Misc. 2008). 37. This case did not hinge upon the issue of conspiracy or aiding and abetting, but on the question of whether there was an employer-employee relationship or a respondeat superior relationship. 38. Plaintiff has not alleged such respondeat superior relationship in this case as it relates to Canela #1. Plaintiffs Argument that Defendant Did not Deny the Allegation That Canela #1 Permitted Canela #2 to falsely use his identity 39. Plaintiffs argue that “the Affidavit of Canela #1, submitted in support of the within motion, makes no reference at all, and therefore no denial of the allegation that Canela #1 permitted Canela #2 to falsely use his identity, the identity of “Joel Canela,” and further, no reference at all, and therefore no denial of the allegation that Canela #1 and Canela #2 acted knowingly as to the tortious scheme alleged herein, and did aid and abet such by the high impropriety of allowing Canela #2 to utilize false credentials and identity of Canela #1 to effectuate same in the name of Canela #1. See Daltus Affr., Par. 21. 40. However, Plaintiffs completely ignored Paragraph 6 of the Affidavit of Joel Canela, sworn to on May 1, 2019, which states that “I did not engage in the activities that Plaintiffs allege in the Complaint and I did not receive any benefit or expect any benefit from said alleged activities.” {3604/19-1008/00063372 /} 10 10 of 19 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 05/21/2019 09:44 PM INDEX NO. 20827/2019E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 37 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/21/2019 41. Thus, Mr. Canela denied having engaged in the activities alleged in the Complaint, contrary to Plaintiffs’ assertions. The Second Cause of Action should be Dismissed Pursuant to CPLR 3211(a)(7) 42. In the Second Cause of Action, Plaintiffs seek damages and an injunction as against Joel Canela #2, a/k/a Alcides Mendoza, d/b/a F1 Consulting Services from breaching the restrictive covenant contained in the non-compete agreement. 43. Although such injunction is not specifically sought against Joel Canela #1, in the ad damnum clause, Plaintiffs do not distinguish between Joel Canela #2 and Joel Canela #1 in seeking damages and injunctive relief. 44. In their opposition papers, Plaintiffs concede that there is no injunctive relief being sought against Defendant Canela #1. Plaintiffs state that “[a]s there is no injunctive relief sought against Canela #1, there is nothing to dismiss against him in Count II.” Daltus Affr., Par. 29. 45. Thus, the Second Cause of Action should be dismissed as it is not opposed by Plaintiffs. The Third Cause of Action should be Dismissed Pursuant to CPLR 3211(a)(7) 46. The Third Cause Action seeks damages for losses that Plaintiffs claim they suffered because Joel Canela #1 allowed Joel Canela #2 to commit felonious acts of theft, larceny, fraud, cyber theft, cyber fraud, misrepresentation and {3604/19-1008/00063372 /} 11 11 of 19 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 05/21/2019 09:44 PM INDEX NO. 20827/2019E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 37 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/21/2019 deceit in violation of State of New York and Federal RICO Act laws, 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1961, et seq., including Sec. 1964(c). Plaintiffs Unsupported Characterization 47. At the outset, in their opposition papers, Plaintiffs mischaracterize the allegations in the Complaint. Plaintiffs incorrectly claim that “[i]n Count III, it is then alleged that Canela #1’s intentional, voluntary, and knowing permission, as granted to Canela #2 to use the identity of Canela #1, is in violation of New York State and Federal [law] . . . and resulted in Plaintiff’s losses. (Daltus Affr., Par. 4). In support of this argument, Plaintiffs cite to Paragraph 144 of the Complaint. 48. However, the preceding Paragraph 143 of the Complaint only alleges that Joel Canela #1 allowed Joel Canela #2 to commit felonious acts of thef, larceny, fraud, cybertheft, cyberfraud, misrepresentation and deceipt of the Plaintiffs and Plaintiffs clients . . . ” and Paragraph 144 alleges that “[a]s a result of the aforementioned violations by the Defendant, Joel Canela #1, of New York and Federal Law, the Plaintiffs were caused to sustain losses of and to its property and income.” 49. Nothing contained in Paragraphs 143 and 144 supports Plaintiffs’ argument of intentional, voluntary and knowing permission. 50. Furthermore, Plaintiffs also claim that the “Complaint alleges that [Canela #2], all while acting with the permission of Canela #1, falsely held himself out to be a person named Joel Canela,” and whiles so doing, gained employment {3604/19-1008/00063372 /} 12 12 of 19 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 05/21/2019 09:44 PM INDEX NO. 20827/2019E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 37 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/21/2019 with Plaintiffs as ‘provider of sundry financial services.’” (Daltus Affr., Par. 5). In support of this argument, Plaintiffs cite to Paragraph 72 of the Complaint. 51. However, Paragraph 72 of the Complaint simply states that “[a]t the time of some of the events alleged herein, the Defendant, Alcides Mendoza . . . was employed by the Plaintiffs in the capacity of tax preparer-bookkeeper- accountant and provider of sundry financial services.” 52. In fact, as argued above, Alcides Mendoza did not gain employment using the Joel Canela alias, but instead using his own name of Alcides Mendoza. Plaintiff alleged that it was while employed by Plaintiffs that Alcides Mendoza obtained permission from Joel Canela #1 to use the name of Joel Canela. (Complaint, Paragraph 104). 53. This means that Plaintiff cannot rely upon Alcides Mendoza’s use of Joel Canela’s identity to claim fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, cyberfraud, etc., because Plaintiffs knew of such use of the identity. 54. As stated above, to state a claim for fraud, a plaintiff must allege a material misrepresentation of fact, knowledge of its falsity, an intent to induce reliance, justifiable reliance by the plaintiff and damages. Eurycleia Partners, LP v. Seward & Kissel, LLP, 12 N.Y.3d 553, 558 (2009). 55. Plaintiff cannot claim that there was a misrepresentation, intent to induce reliance, or justifiable reliance. Plaintiffs Have Failed to Allege Sufficient Facts to State a Claim Under RICO {3604/19-1008/00063372 /} 13 13 of 19 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 05/21/2019 09:44 PM INDEX NO. 20827/2019E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 37 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/21/2019 56. Plaintiffs have failed to allege sufficient facts to state a cause of action for violation of any RICO laws. 57. Here, Plaintiffs have failed to allege that: (a) Calena #1 i. has received any income derived, directly or indirectly, ii. from a pattern of racketeering activity or through collection of an unlawful debt; iii. in which Canela #1 has participated as a principal within the meaning of section 2, title 18, United States Code, iv. to use or invest, directly or indirectly, any part of such income, or the proceeds of such income, in acquisition of any interest in, or the establishment or operation of, any enterprise which is engaged in, or the activities of which v. affect, interstate or foreign commerce. . . . or that (b) Canela #1 i. has through a pattern of racketeering activity or through collection of an unlawful debt j. acquired or maintained, directly or indirectly, any interest in or control k. of any enterprise which is engaged in, or the activities of which l. affect interstate or foreign commerce. or that (c) Canela #1 i. was employed by or associated with any enterprise j. engaged in, or the activities of which affect, interstate or foreign commerce, k. to conduct or participate, directly or indirectly, in the conduct of such enterprise’s affairs l. through a pattern of racketeering activity or collection of unlawful debt {3604/19-1008/00063372 /} 14 14 of 19 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 05/21/2019 09:44 PM INDEX NO. 20827/2019E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 37 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/21/2019 18 U.S.C. § 1962 58. As required by 18 U.S.C. 1961(1), which defines “racketeering activity,” Plaintiffs have failed to alleged: . . . (A) any act or threat involving murder, kidnapping, gambling, arson, robbery, bribery, extortion, dealing in obscene matter, or dealing in a controlled substance or listed chemical (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act), which is chargeable under State law and punishable by imprisonment for more than one year; (B) any act which is indictable under any of the following provisions of title 18, United States Code: Section 201 (relating to bribery), section 224 (relating to sports bribery), sections 471, 472, and 473 (relating to counterfeiting), section 659 (relating to theft from interstate shipment) if the act indictable under section 659 is felonious, section 664 (relating to embezzlement from pension and welfare funds), sections 891-894 (relating to extortionate credit transactions), section 1028 (relating to fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents), section 1029 (relating to fraud and related activity in connection with access devices), section 1084 (relating to the transmission of gambling information), section 1341 (relating to mail fraud), section 1343 (relating to wire fraud), section 1344 (relating to financial institution fraud), section 1351 (relating to fraud in foreign labor contracting), section 1425 (relating to the procurement of citizenship or nationalization unlawfully), section 1426 (relating to the reproduction of naturalization or citizenship papers), section 1427 (relating to the sale of naturalization or citizenship papers), sections 1461-1465 (relating to obscene matter), section 1503 (relating to obstruction of justice), section 1510 (relating to obstruction of criminal investigations), section 1511 (relating to the obstruction of State or local law enforcement), section 1512 (relating to tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant), section 1513 (relating to retaliating against a witness, victim, or an informant), section 1542 (relating to false statement in application and use of passport), section 1543 (relating to forgery or false use of passport), section 1544 (relating to misuse of passport), section 1546 (relating to fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents), sections 1581-1592 (relating to peonage, slavery, and trafficking in {3604/19-1008/00063372 /} 15 15 of 19 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 05/21/2019 09:44 PM INDEX NO. 20827/2019E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 37 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 05/21/2019 persons).,So in original. sections 1831 and 1832 (relating to economic espionage and theft of trade secrets), section 1951 (relating to interference with commerce, robbery, or extortion), section 1952 (relating to racketeering), section 1953 (relating to interstate transportation of wagering paraphernalia), section 1954 (relating to unlawful welfare fund payments), section 1955 (relating to the prohibition of illegal gambling businesses), section 1956 (relating to the laundering of monetary instruments), section 1957 (relating to engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity), section 1958 (relating to use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire), section 1960 (relating to illegal money transmitters), sections 2251, 2251A, 2252, and 2260 (relating to sexual exploitation of children), sections 2312 and 2313 (relating to interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles), sections 2314 and 2315 (relating to interstate transportation of stolen property), section 2318 (relating to trafficking in counterfeit labels for phonorecords, computer programs or computer program documentation or packaging and copies of motion pictures or other audiovisual works), section 2319 (relating to criminal infringement of a copyright), section 2319A (relating to unauthorized fixation of and trafficking in sound recordings and music videos of live musical performances), section 2320 (relating to trafficking in goods or services bearing counterfeit marks), section 2321 (relating to trafficking in certain motor vehicles or motor vehicle parts), sections 2341-2346 (relating to trafficking in contraband cigarettes), sections 2421-24 (relating to white slave traffic), sections 175-178 (relating to biological weapons), sections 229-229F (relating to chemical weapons), section 831 (relating to nuclear materials), (C) any act which is indictable under title 29, United States Code, section 186 (dealing with restrictions on payments and loans to labor organizations) or section 501(c) (relating to embezzlement from union funds), (D) any offense involving fraud connected with a case under title 11 (except a case under section 157 of this title), fraud in the sale of securities, or the felonious manufacture, importation, receiving, concealment, buying, selling, or otherwise dealing in a controlled substance or listed chemical (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled {3604/19-1008/00063372 /} 16 16 of 19 FILED: BRONX COUNTY CLERK 05/21/2019 09:44 PM INDEX NO. 20827/2019E NYSCEF DOC. NO. 37