🌱 Hacker Sentenced + Phoenix Online Registry For Vacant Properties

Hello, friends. It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Phoenix Patch newsletter — here to impart all the most important things happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny. High: 96 Low: 70.

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Here are the top three stories in Phoenix today:

1. A 38-year-old hacker named Chirag Patel has been sentenced to 51 months in prison for his involvement in stealing credit card numbers and rewards points from a Phoenix-based international hospitality company. Patel, who pleaded guilty to computer fraud, will also have to pay $87,522.25 in restitution and serve three years of supervised release. Between August 2017 and July 2020, Patel hacked into the company's computers, stole customer reward points, obtained credit card numbers, and used them for unauthorized purchases, resulting in his capture and subsequent sentencing by United States District Judge G. Murray Snow based on an FBI investigation. (KTAR.com)
2. The City of Phoenix's Neighborhood Services Department has suggested the creation of an online registry to address concerns about vacant properties. The proposed registry would apply to both residential and commercial properties, aiming to facilitate communication with property owners, particularly those residing outside the city or state. The registry would require annual registration, an on-site contact, and the inclusion of properties that have been vacant for over 30 days, primarily targeting commercial properties over 10,000 sqft or residential properties with at least 50 units. Additionally, the registry aims to combat criminal activities, neglect issues, and improve accountability among property owners. The proposal will undergo community engagement throughout the summer before being formally presented to the city council in the fall. (Arizona's Family)
3. As of Thursday evening, authorities in Phoenix are actively seeking a suspect following the tragic shooting death of a man in a local neighborhood. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning near 43rd Avenue and Camelback Road, prompting a swift response from the Phoenix Police Department. The victim, identified as 32-year-old Adrian Cantu Silva, was found deceased at the scene with a gunshot wound, while the police suspect that a verbal altercation may have preceded the shooting. As the investigation unfolds, the suspect remains at large, and further details regarding the incident are currently unavailable. (KTAR.com)

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Today in Phoenix:

• Rhythmic Nights Featuring DJ P-Phunk, At REVOLU Modern Taqueria + Bar (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Memorial Day weekend is here and the Valley is celebrating with plenty of events for all ages! Click the link to view all the events scheduled for this holiday weekend, including ceremonies, a dedicated motorcycle ride, and a family-friendly bubble pool party. (12news.com KPNX)
• In the mood for a delicious brunch this weekend? At the link, Phoenix New Times rounded up the 10 best brunch restaurants in Phoenix. (Phoenix New Times)
• The Phoenix City Council is considering a proposed rate increase for the City of Phoenix Water Services Department's water and wastewater services and the Stormwater Excise Tax. Get the facts and ask questions at an in-person public meeting on Tuesday, May 30, at 6:00 p.m. (City of Phoenix, AZ USA via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you around.

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.