November 11, 2022

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Today, on Veterans Day, I reflect on the debt that we owe to all the heroic men and women who have sacrificed for our freedoms. As we do every year, my Office hosted a Veterans Day Ceremony this week at the Queens Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Elmhurst Park. We took this special opportunity to express our deep gratitude and appreciation for the individuals who have served in the Armed Forces. I stand especially proud of the of the veterans who continue to answer the call of public service in their current roles as prosecutors and support staff in my Office. As the District Attorney of Queens County, I am committed to honoring military personnel by offering non-violent veterans, who have made mistakes, an opportunity to receive services and treatment rather than incarceration. In addition, following a request made by my Office, the NYPD has recently announced an addendum made to their intake processing forms that allows arrestees to identify themselves as veterans. This effort will help to better facilitate the diversion of qualified defendants to Veterans Court Programs, which are operational in all five boroughs. I will continue to explore ways in which my office can assist our veterans. Once again, I thank all our heroes and express my outmost respect for your service.

In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

Select Cases of Interest

Queens man sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing WWI veteran Defendant charged with possessing and promoting child sex abuse material EMT indicted for allegedly stealing bank card from patient’s wallet for liquor and food Alleged drug dealer indicted on narcotics, weapons charges

Conversation at Astoria Houses

Going out and speaking directly to members of the community has been a key focus of my administration. Most recently, I joined the residents of Astoria Houses to discuss public safety and crime prevention strategies. We were also joined by Captain Candida Sullivan, the Commanding Officer of NYPD Housing Bureau’s Police Service Area 9, as well as Ms. Vanessa Jones-Hall, the president of Astoria Houses Tenant Association. Together, we will continue to ensure that criminal activity is not tolerated inside our housing developments and neighborhoods.

Active Cold Case

As part of our regular call for help, we are asking for any information regarding the shooting death of 19-year-old Daniel Gunthrie in Jamaica. It's been 12 years since the killing took place and those responsible have yet to answer for this crime. Help us obtain justice on behalf of Daniel and his loved ones. If you have any information, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS or submitting a tip online. Remember, all tips are confidential and can remain anonymous!

Community Walk Through and School Visit

I recently joined Dr. Josephine Yeboah Van-Ess, Superintendent of Queens South School Districts 27, 28, & 29, on a community walk and school visit at Queens Metropolitan High School Campus. This was a great opportunity to see all the fantastic achievements of our students and learn more about their educational experience.

Gun Buyback Program

On Saturday, November 19th, turn in a functioning gun and receive a $200 bank card, as well as an iPad. No Questions Asked. Let's continue to work together to keep our neighborhoods safe from gun violence.

Vin Etching Event in Northeast Queens

To combat an increase in catalytic converter theft, my Office is partnering with the NYPD for a vin etching event at Fort Totten on November 18th. Save the date and come out to Northeast Queens to help deter auto theft in your community.