Digital Social Hour: Episode Summary
Episode Title: Corruption Uncovered: NYC's Hidden Crime Web | Tony Hernandez DSH #1155
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Tony Hernandez
Release Date: February 1, 2025
1. Tony Hernandez’s Background and Upbringing
Tony Hernandez, a lifelong resident of Queens, New York, shares his formative experiences growing up amidst the intertwining worlds of law enforcement and organized crime. Born and raised in Queens, Tony often frequented Brooklyn's Williamsburg section but primarily remained rooted in his hometown.
Notable Quote:
"I was born and raised in New York City, Queens. Spent a lot of time in Brooklyn, Williamsburg section. But for the most part, Queens." (00:34)
2. The Intersection of Mafia and Police Life
Tony delves into the complex relationship between the mafia and police within New York City. His father and uncle worked for Virgil Alessi, a prominent figure in the French Connection heroin trafficking network during the 1970s. Despite being surrounded by organized crime, Tony's family chose legitimacy, with many members in law enforcement.
Notable Quote:
"I have a lot of family that's in law enforcement. But you know, I also had my uncle and my father and a couple other members that were involved in, you know, around organized crime people." (02:40)
3. Growing Up Amidst Organized Crime
Tony recounts his childhood experiences, including attending family gatherings where both cops and mobsters mingled. These interactions left a lasting impression, leading him to initially gravitate towards the street lifestyle, influenced by the allure of wealth and status associated with hustlers and mob figures.
Notable Quote:
"I was enamored by the street lifestyle. You see the hustlers, the drug dealers, the mob guys, they have all the nice stuff, right? The cars, the women, the clothes, the jewelry. It's very captivating when you're a kid for sure." (00:46)
4. Transition to Law Enforcement
Despite his early involvement in street activities, Tony decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. Motivated by practical needs, such as covering expensive dental work through NYPD benefits, he sought to shift from his hustling lifestyle to a more stable and legitimate path.
Notable Quote:
"I wanted to get in a root canal. And all this money I was making, I wanted to have this pay, like, $4,000 out of my pocket. Like, dental work is crazy expensive." (14:08)
5. Experiences as a Transit Police Officer
Tony discusses his role in the Transit division of the NYPD, highlighting the persistent and pervasive nature of crime in New York City. He emphasizes that crime isn't necessarily reduced but rather displaced to different areas, likening it to squeezing a balloon—when pressure is applied in one area, it expands elsewhere.
Notable Quote:
"There is crime happening in the city 24/7, 365. It's always going on... Crime does it. It's almost like a balloon. When you squeeze it on one end, it expands on the other." (21:29)
6. Challenges in Reporting and Combating Crime
Tony points out the societal and systemic barriers that prevent effective crime reporting and enforcement. He criticizes the cumbersome and time-consuming process of reporting crimes in NYC, leading many to avoid filing reports altogether. Additionally, he highlights the impact of policies like congestion pricing, which he argues exacerbates daily challenges for New Yorkers.
Notable Quote:
"A lot of people think like, I can't do it. I don't have anybody to take care of my kid. I don't have anybody to work my shift... So why am I going to take my time out of my day?" (23:12)
7. Gang Activity and Organized Crime Today
Tony provides an in-depth look at the current landscape of gang activity in NYC, focusing on South American gangs like El Trende Aragua. He describes their operations, including migrant smuggling and drug trafficking, and shares personal encounters with gang members during his police career. Tony also discusses the enduring presence of traditional Italian mafias alongside these newer criminal organizations.
Notable Quote:
"These guys are 18th Street, they're all there. I posted a video on my channel... there was two gang members who got into a fight on the platform." (29:20)
8. Corruption Within Law Enforcement and Politics
A significant portion of the conversation centers on the pervasive corruption within the NYPD and New York City politics. Tony criticizes current leaders like Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Hochul, alleging connections to organized crime and systemic corruption. He reflects on his disillusionment with the legal system, describing it as weaponized and politicized, which undermines public trust and effectiveness.
Notable Quote:
"I believe he's corrupt... you've seen the former police commissioner and the assistant commissioner and they do this Operation Roosevelt Avenue. That shit is smoking mirrors, man." (33:16)
9. Media Censorship and Content Suppression
Tony discusses his experiences with media censorship, particularly on platforms like YouTube. He shares how his content on organized crime and corruption faced significant pushback, including video removals and reduced visibility, which he attributes to attempts to suppress inconvenient narratives.
Notable Quote:
"I was talking about it in the context of my story. And it actually got taken down by YouTube." (29:54)
10. Reflections on Societal Changes and Personal Philosophy
Tony reflects on the broader societal changes post-pandemic, expressing concerns over increased crime rates, the decline of small businesses, and shifting cultural norms. He emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and community vigilance in combating crime and corruption.
Notable Quote:
"I'm not against immigration. I'm against illegal immigration... They've tried to do initiatives if you see it, but it's all smoke and mirrors." (27:37)
11. Final Thoughts on Loyalty and Integrity
Towards the end of the episode, Tony touches on the themes of loyalty and integrity, contrasting the behaviors of organized crime figures with those in the legal and political realms. He underscores the difficulty in trusting institutions that are meant to uphold justice but are themselves compromised.
Notable Quote:
"The legal side are some of the most corrupt scumbag people that you'd ever meet a mobster if you gave him your hand." (35:26)
Conclusion:
In this episode of Digital Social Hour, Tony Hernandez provides a candid and unfiltered exploration of New York City's hidden crime web, drawing from his unique perspective as someone deeply embedded in both the streets and the police force. His insights shed light on the enduring challenges of organized crime, systemic corruption, and the complexities of maintaining integrity within flawed institutions. Through personal anecdotes and critical analysis, Tony offers listeners a compelling narrative that challenges conventional perceptions of crime and law enforcement in one of the world's most complex cities.