Dear Friends and Neighbors, |
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This week’s storm wreaked havoc on our City, bringing record-breaking floods and devastating damage throughout all the five boroughs. Tragically, at least a dozen people lost their lives as the result of the severe weather, with most of the fatalities taking place right here in Queens County. I speak on behalf of the entire Office when I say that our hearts go out to the loved ones of those victims.
Governor Kathy Hochul requested a Federal Emergency Declaration for the counties affected by the storm, which President Joe Biden approved. The Declaration paves the way for our communities to receive much-needed federal assistance. Please visit www.fema.gov/assistance for support in your disaster recovery.
As we continue to assess the damage and initiate clean up efforts to restore our properties, please be mindful of potential scams concerning home improvement and renovation projects. Scammers and fraudsters unfortunately thrive during difficult times, taking advantage of individuals during a crisis when people are more vulnerable and in need of immediate assistance.
I urge everyone to be on the lookout for scams like fake government employees, bogus charities, dishonest contractors, and others trying to take advantage of your situation. Make sure to always ask for identification, write down license numbers, and call the organization/company the person claims to work for in order to confirm their identity. Take your time and never sign anything without fully reading and understanding it first.
My Office’s Frauds Bureau as well as the Housing and Worker Protection Bureau investigate and prosecute crimes related to theft, fraud, environmental crimes, confidence scams, cybercrimes, as well as crimes targeting the elderly. If you would like to report a crime, or need additional information, call us at 718-286-6673. We’re here to help.
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In Friendship,
Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney
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Defendant sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter for killing alleged rival
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Joining State and City Officials |
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I joined Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and other officials in Southeast Queens, which sustained devastating damage by the flash floods on Wednesday night.
During my tenure as the Borough President, I worked with the Mayor’s Office and the City Council to help implement a $1.9 billion infrastructure plan in Southeast Queens to expand storm sewers, install new sanitary sewers and new water mains along a quarter mile stretch to expand drainage capacity and prevent ponding.
As the Queens District Attorney, I will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners, non-profit organizations and elected officials to help the residents of this borough overcome the challenges brought on by this unprecedented flooding.
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Enhancing Youth Development and Crime Prevention |
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As a weekly reminder, the deadline for applications for proposals to implement the Queens DA's Youth Development and Crime Prevention project is September 24, 2021.
The work solicited in this request will provide youth activities and wrap around services as part of a more holistic approach to helping young people reduce criminal justice involvement and increase engagement in recreational, academic and career development activities. You may visit https://queensda.org/special-initiatives/ for additional information and application download.
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As part of our regular call for help, we are asking for any information regarding the death of NeShawn Plummer, who was shot and killed six years ago in Far Rockaway - three years following the tragic death of his older brother, Shawn Plummer.
Earlier this year, NYPD officials released new surveillance footage regarding the shooting that claimed NeShawn's life. You may view the footage by clicking here.
If you have any information, we urge you to contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS. All calls are confidential!
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This Office is proud to sponsor a number of Back to School giveaway events throughout the Borough to help Queens families prepare for the upcoming school year. Members of my Community Partnerships Division joined the 105th Police Precinct, Mount Carmel Baptist Church and numerous City organizations for school supplies distribution events in Jamaica and Arverne.
Join us this Saturday, Sept 4th, from 1 - 3pm for another Back to School event, hosted by Fathers Alive In the Hood, at the Styles & Cuts Barber Shop located at 1032 Beach 19th Street in Far Rockaway.
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September marks Senior Appreciation Month and this Office is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our elderly population.
If you or someone you know is a victim of elder fraud or elder abuse, contact our Elder Fraud Unit at 718-286-6578 or ElderFraud@queensda.org. We're here to help.
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