U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton addressed the 2025 Police Athletic League (PAL) New York Luncheon, recognizing key contributors to law enforcement and community support in New York City. He acknowledged the NYPD’s role in maintaining safety on city streets and highlighted John Catsimatidis for his leadership as Chairman of PAL, noting his influence across various sectors.
Clayton also recognized Bart M. Schwartz, President of PAL; Mark Simone, Board Member and event moderator; Carlos Velazquez, Executive Director of PAL; other board members; and supporters present at the luncheon. He paid tribute to Bob Morgenthau, former President and Chairman of PAL, emphasizing Morgenthau’s legacy in both federal and state legal systems.
Clayton described the strong cooperation between federal and state officials in New York City, including agencies such as the FBI, HSI, DEA, IRS, Postal Service, Southern District of New York (SDNY), and partners in the Eastern District.
Reflecting on PAL’s history since its founding in 1914 by Police Commissioner Arthur Woods, Clayton noted that it has become the largest independent youth nonprofit in New York City. The organization operates 27 youth centers across all five boroughs and serves more than 20,000 young people annually. He cited PAL’s mission: “To work hand in hand with the NYPD and broader law enforcement community to support, motivate, and inspire New York City’s youth — to help them realize their full individual potential as productive members of society.”
Turning to priorities for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), Clayton stated that resources are focused on areas with significant impact for New York families. He identified two main priorities: dismantling drug cartels and addressing gun-enabled crime.
On combating cartels, Clayton shared statistics showing that drug deaths averaged over 99,000 per year nationwide over five years ending in 2024—5,500 annually in New York State and 2,600 in New York City. He described cartels as sophisticated organizations comparable to large international corporations but distinguished by their criminal methods and foreign partnerships.
Clayton detailed several recent prosecutions led by SDNY involving fentanyl distribution operations linked to fatalities—including cases tied to Bronx daycare centers—and efforts targeting leaders of major drug rings responsible for multiple deaths. Other actions included indictments against individuals running counterfeit pharmaceutical operations online that resulted in fatalities across multiple states.
He also mentioned ongoing prosecutions against international actors such as Sinaloa Cartel leaders using Chinese-sourced chemicals for fentanyl trafficking; narco-terrorism charges against former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro; convictions of high-ranking Venezuelan officials like Hugo Carvajal; prosecution of Honduran officials involved with violent cartels; cocaine importation cases involving Bahamian police officials; and convictions of Chinese chemical firm executives for trafficking fentanyl precursors.
Efforts continue against large-scale money laundering networks supporting illicit drug trade activities.
Addressing gun violence as a second priority area for SDNY prosecutors, Clayton emphasized participation in the Gun Violence Strategies Partnership (GVSP), a multi-agency initiative aimed at reducing gun-enabled crimes through collaboration among federal and local authorities. He referenced recent indictments unsealed against members of Tren de Aragua charged with racketeering and violent crimes.
Clayton recounted a case where a woman was killed by machine gun fire stemming from a robbery involving marijuana dealers—within eight days an arrest was made with federal charges pending. Multiple gang-related shootings have resulted in convictions against Trinitarios members as well as other gangs operating within New York City.
In closing remarks, Clayton praised PAL’s century-long commitment to creating opportunities for children throughout New York City: “Kids knowing that effort is important… because tomorrow holds great promise. New York is a city where a kid can thrive.” He expressed continued support for PAL’s mission alongside law enforcement efforts focused on protecting families from serious threats posed by drugs and guns.
