Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York | Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton addressed the Police Athletic League (PAL) New York Luncheon, highlighting law enforcement collaboration and outlining key priorities for his office.
During his remarks, Clayton acknowledged members of the law enforcement community and praised the New York Police Department for its role in keeping city streets safe. He also recognized John Catsimatidis, Chairman of PAL, for his leadership in providing safe spaces and opportunities for children across New York City.
Clayton paid tribute to Bob Morgenthau, former President and Chairman of PAL, citing his service as a model for prosecutors in New York. He emphasized the strong working relationship between federal and state officials in the region, mentioning agencies such as the FBI, HSI, DEA, IRS, Postal Service, the Southern District of New York (SDNY), and partners in the Eastern District.
Reflecting on PAL’s history since 1914, Clayton noted that it has grown into the largest independent youth nonprofit in New York City. Today, PAL operates 27 youth centers across all five boroughs and serves more than 20,000 young people between ages 3 and 21. The organization works closely with law enforcement to support and inspire city youth.
Clayton outlined two main prosecutorial priorities: combating drug cartels and addressing gun-enabled crime. He said these efforts are guided by what is best for New York families.
On drug cartels, Clayton stated: “First, we need to bankrupt the cartels – put them out of business and seize the assets of community destruction.” He described recent prosecutions involving fentanyl distribution operations linked to fatalities in New York City and detailed cases where leaders received lengthy prison sentences. Federal efforts have also targeted international organizations such as Sinaloa Cartel, Tren de Aragua, MS-13, Cartel del Golfo, CJNG, corrupt foreign officials from Venezuela and Honduras involved in narcotics trafficking to the United States, as well as executives from Chinese chemical firms convicted for fentanyl precursor trafficking.
He added: “We are focused on both: Protecting the New Yorkers most harmed by the flood of fentanyl, opioids, cocaine and other drugs and Taking down the leaders of the cartels.”
Clayton also discussed ongoing work against large-scale money laundering networks that facilitate drug trafficking operations.
Turning to gun violence as a second priority area for his office, Clayton said: “Criminals who use guns pose a danger to us all. We do not want someone who shoots another person, another New Yorker, to be out on our streets again.” He referenced partnerships such as New York’s Gun Violence Strategies Partnership (GVSP), which brings together multiple agencies to address gun-related crimes through collaboration and information sharing.
He cited recent indictments against gang members charged with racketeering and violent crimes—including murder—and highlighted a case where federal prosecutors charged an alleged shooter within eight days after a fatal incident involving machine gun fire in East Harlem.
In closing remarks about PAL’s mission supporting city youth opportunities over more than a century he stated: “PAL has been an enormous part of that great success for over a century. We support PAL; we want to work with you AND we want to: Thank PAL for being the best friend a kid can have.”
