May 13, 2022

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Yesterday, I announced charges against a construction foreman who allegedly used his position to take thousands of dollars in kickbacks from employees working on a NYC School Construction project in Ridgewood. According to charges filed, the defendant allegedly hired the workers with the understanding that each was to pay him $50 per day for every day worked at the job site from March 2019 through February 2020. This kind of exploitation is illegal, and it will never be tolerated in this Borough. In fact, the prevalence of such schemes is the reason I created the Housing & Worker Protection Bureau within the first six months of my administration - to make sure that employees are protected from unlawful actions. The Bureau is uniquely positioned to investigate and prosecute those who prey on people with wage theft, fraudulent real estate schemes, unsafe workplace conditions, and other forms of illegal exploitation. If you need help, email HousingWorkerProtection@queensda.org or call 718.286.6673. My Office will not relent in our efforts to investigate and prosecute those who seek to take advantage of our workforce.

In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

In The Courts

Queens man convicted of attempted murder for 2020 gang-related shooting Queens man indicted for murder of Forest Hills woman whose body was discovered in duffel bag near park Queens man pleads guilty to manslaughter in Far Rockaway shooting death in December 2019 Queens resident charged with murder in shooting death of woman killed at her front door

AAPI Heritage Celebration

On Tuesday, May 24th at 6:00PM, join our virtual celebration in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month! The online festivities will include special honors and cultural performances as we recognize the many achievements of our Queens AAPI community. Click here to register.

Information Wanted

As part of our regular call for help, we are asking for any information regarding the death of NYC Corrections Officer John Jeff, who was shot and killed within the confines of the 113th Police Precinct on August 15, 2020. Those responsible for this crime have yet to be held accountable, but you can help. Contact NYPD Crimestoppers with any information. A $30,000 reward is being offered.

Public Safety Town Hall

The Executive ADA of my Community Partnerships Division, Colleen Babb, joined Council Member Linda Lee, Assembly Member Nily Rozic and the 107th Police Precinct for a Public Safety Town Hall at P.S. 26. Local residents were given the opportunity to share their concerns with my Office, as well as our law enforcement partners.

Older Adult Center at Bay Terrace

It was a pleasure to attend the ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the new Older Adult Center at Commonpoint Queens in Bay Terrace. The center was built to serve the changing needs of the community and provide vital services to our elderly population. Since its soft opening in January, the Older Adult Center has served almost 500 individuals and will continue to expand before year's end. I thank them for inviting me to discuss the goals of this Office to keep our seniors safe and thriving.

Coffee with a Cop

Coffee with a Cop program is a national initiative that brings police officers and community members together – over coffee – to discuss issues and learn more about one another. It is a great opportunity to break down barriers between law enforcement and the residents we serve. Members of my Office participated in the program in Fresh Meadows earlier this week, hosted by Queens Borough Patrol South.

Family Field Day

As a reminder, my Office is co-sponsoring a Spring Family Field Day at Roy Wilkins Park, which has been moved to Sunday, May 15th from 1pm-4pm. This event is made possible by the Southeast Queens Cleanup Initiative, in partnership with local elected representatives. Come and enjoy games, sports activities, music workshops, arts & crafts, and more! To register, or for more information, visit SEQFamilyFieldDay.Eventbrite.com.