November 3, 2023

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

My office secured the indictment of a Queens man on drug and gun charges after a search of an abandoned home in Bellerose uncovered millions of dollars worth of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine and a stockpile of firearms.   A contractor hired post-sale of the property reported suspicious activity to the 105th Police Precinct and police officers worked closely with my office to secure a court-authorized search warrant for the residence. The search resulted in the seizure of eight kilograms of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine and 1.5 million glassine envelopes containing heroin or a mix of heroin and fentanyl, all with a street value between $10 million and $11 million. Additionally, several handguns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were found. We cannot even begin to calculate how many lives would have been cut short or ruined by the millions of dollars worth of lethal narcotics and deadly weapons that were found.  What we do know for certain is that our families, friends and neighborhoods are all safer thanks to this massive seizure.  I thank members of my office and the NYPD for their invaluable work on this case. Rest assured, we will not relent in the fight to get drugs and guns off our streets. We will prosecute any and all involved in this deadly trafficking. My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe. In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

Man charged with manslaughter as hate crime in deadly assault after fender bender Long Island woman convicted of aggravated manslaughter in hit and run that killed NYPD detective

Cold Case

Our Cold Case Unit is the first unit ever in Queens dedicated entirely to investigating and solving the borough’s oldest and most challenging unsolved homicide cases. Click here to view current unsolved homicides. If you have information on any of the cases, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form. It is never too late for justice.

Safety Briefing With US Attorney Breon Peace

I hosted a safety briefing this week for members of my Jewish Community Advisory Council, along with special guest Breon Peace, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, to discuss the increasing concerns of our Jewish friends and neighbors regarding hate crimes in the borough. My office works closely with our law enforcement partners on the city, state, and federal level to make sure that every hate-motivated crime is evaluated thoroughly and prosecuted. We will continue to stand up against the spread of hate in our communities.

Sit-Down With The Sikh Cultural Society

In response to two recent attacks against members of the Sikh community, I met with The Sikh Cultural Society to discuss public safety concerns. My office is pursuing manslaughter as a hate crime and assault as a hate crime charges in order to hold fully accountable those who commit such heinous acts of violence. No one should live in fear because of their religion or ethnicity. We will continue to work with community leaders and our partners in the NYPD to ensure the safety and security of all New Yorkers.

Olde Towne Burial Ground Lane

I joined elected officials and community leaders over the weekend for the co-naming of 164th Street and 46th Avenue as “Olde Towne Burial Ground Lane.” The Olde Towne of Flushing Burial Ground is a powerful landmark that pays tribute to African Americans, Native Americans and other New Yorkers who paved the way for future generations. I am proud to have worked during my tenure as borough president with the Olde Town of Flushing Burial Ground Conservancy and mayor’s office to preserve the sanctity of the site. Thank you to Council Member Sandra Ung for this important acknowledgement of the Burial Ground’s significance and place in our history.

Photo courtesy of Council Member Sandra Ung’s office

Pet Adoption Event

My Animal Cruelty Prosecution Unit recently hosted a pet adoption event in partnership with the Animal Care Centers of NYC. The event was a big success, and almost all of the rescued animals on-site found their forever home!   The safety of our beloved furry companions is one of the top priorities of my administration. If you suspect animal abuse or neglect, contact 311.

Veterans Day Observance Ceremony