![Senator Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_small/public/2021sandersbio.jpg?itok=FLrorZAv)
Senator Sanders's Statement on Allegations Regarding Rockaway Youth Task Force (RYTF)
January 5, 2021
![](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/sanders_rytf.png?itok=nobwGgjE)
Senator James Sanders Jr. said: "I am deeply disturbed to hear about the allegations involving the Rockaway Youth Task Force, an organization that mentors young people in the community. We have come a long way in our society when it comes to ending the harm and exploitation faced by so many women; however, even one incident is too many. Anyone who does not understand that exploiting women is wrong needs to go. I encourage anyone else who has been victimized to come forward. These charges are serious and need to be investigated to ensure appropriate action is taken and justice is served."
Share this Article or Press Release
Newsroom
Go to Newsroom![State Senator James Sanders Jr., center, was joined by guest speakers, Shaleen Title, Massachusetts Commissioner of Cannabis Control, and Bradley Usher, Chief of Staff for Senator Liz Krueger.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/sanders_sd_10_pot_talk_2.jpg?itok=ehOyxSq-)
![](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/sanders_sd10_budget_photo_0.jpg?itok=z60gIQA8)
![Senator Sanders honored women in the leadership at the event by presenting them with a proclamation recognizing their good work. They were (from left) Merlene Smith-Sotillo, President & CEO of Sickle Cell Awareness Foundation Corp Int'l, First Lady Martha Harley-Lewis of Zion Gospel Church, April Jones, Founder & Executive Director of House-A-Soldier, Inc. and Dr. Deborah Hoyle, Director of Ocean Bay Community Cornerstone (The Child Center of New York).](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/press-release/main-image/sanders_sd10_womens_leadership_luncheon.jpg?itok=fuOCHX_p)