🌱 Two Sentenced In Child Trafficking + NYPD Help Deliver Queens Baby

Hello, everybody. It's Friday in Queens and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Rain and drizzle in the a.m.. High: 54 Low: 33.

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Here are the top three stories today in Queens:

1. Two men in Queens have been sentenced to 10 years in prison on child sex trafficking and rape charges. In February 2021, Lawrence Winslow, 28, and Alan Velvett, 29, took nude pictures of a 13-year-old, 14-year-old, and 15-year-old and posted them online claiming the girls were "for sale." Winslow raped the 15-year-old and both men forced her and one of the other girls to have sex with others and kept money from the exchanges. (Queens Patch)
2. Three NYPD officers had a busy day on Wednesday afternoon when they responded to a call of a woman in labor in Queens. The three officers, who all had advanced medical training, helped to safely deliver a baby boy at the scene. The mother and newborn were transported to the hospital and police say they are both doing well. (1010 WINS)
3. Andres Portilla, 28, was arrested on Jan. 5 for rape, kidnapping, and sexual assault charges in Queens – and police believe there could be more victims. Portilla's victims so far include a 21-year-old woman and two 15-year-old girls. NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig said, "It looks like he’s preying on girls who are runways or have some issues. If there are any other victims out there, they should call us." (Subscription: New York Daily News)

Today in Queens:

• Art Lab For Kids: Make Your Own Emoji At Apple Queens Center (3:00 PM)
• Friday Happy Hour Party NYC At Doha Bar Lounge (5:00 PM)
• La Suspendida: A Jazz Metal Opera At Culture Lab LIC At The Plaxall Gallery (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Schools in New York will have a two-percent increase limit on their property tax growth this year. This is due to inflation having risen so the tax growth will be capped at the lower two percent increase. (Spectrum News NY1)
• Bland Playground in Flushing will remain closed during the city's renovation. Officials expect the $6 million park renovation will be completed by January 2024. (Queens Patch)
• A man ate around 500 slices of pizza to find out who truly has the best pizza in the city. Queens came out on top! (Thrillist)

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Events:

• Berkeley College Honors Program Information Session (January 18)
• 3K & 4K Pre-k For All Registration Opening Soon!!! (January 20)
• Astronomy on Tap – Drink in the Universe (because science is better with beer!) (January 27)
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Housing:

• Open House COOP 67-25 Clyde Street 2M 12:30 - 2 pm Sunday Jan 8th (Details)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you all tomorrow for another update.

— 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.