April 18, 2025

I announced an indictment this week against a defendant for allegedly driving while impaired under the influence of alcohol and drugs and speeding down Northern Boulevard at more than three times the posted limit, killing another motorist.

The defendant, who was an off-duty New York City firefighter at the time of the collision, was charged with manslaughter, driving while intoxicated and related crimes for allegedly driving at a high rate of speed on February 26. The charges allege that he sped through a steady red light at 107^th Street and Northern Boulevard.

The victim, 23-year-old Justin Diaz, had the right of way when he was hit going through the East Elmhurst intersection. He was rushed to the hospital but did not survive his injuries.

Drunk, drugged and reckless driving are dire threats to everyone on our shared roadways.

My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe.

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• A drug dealing operation was dismantled this past week in Jackson Heights. Following a 17-month long investigation, nine individuals were indicted for selling and possessing cocaine, crack and fentanyl. Many of the transactions took place on a quiet residential street.
• A Hicksville man was sentenced this week to 3 ½ to seven years in prison for a brazen mail theft spree that targeted apartment buildings throughout Queens. At the time of his arrest, the defendant was found in possession of 23 credit and debit cards that did not match his identity.
• A Brooklyn motorist was indicted for murder in the second degree and related charges for running over a Breezy Point man after a road rage incident that began on the Belt Parkway. The victim suffered traumatic brain injuries from the May 2024 incident and passed away in November.

Unlicensed Cannabis Dispensary Seized

My office, working with our law enforcement partners, shut down an unlicensed mobile marijuana dispensary this week that was operating on Woodhaven Boulevard, underneath the Long Island Expressway.

In response to community complaints, our team conducted a series of undercover buys at the van, which had been operating in the area for the last several weeks.

A search warrant was executed by our partners at the NYPD and the New York City’s Sheriff's Office on Wednesday and four pounds of leaf cannabis, as well as more than one pound of concentrated cannabis was recovered along with edibles packaged to look like candy.

Three subjects were taken into custody, and the van was removed by the NYPD. To report suspected illegal cannabis dispensary please contact the Queens District Attorney’s office at 718-286-6503 or email, CannabisTips@queensda.org

Information Wanted

If you have information regarding the death of Jerwaine Gorman, who was killed 10 years ago, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

A Night at the Opera

The Queens Symphony Orchestra, founded by my late father, always puts on a great performance and it was my pleasure to greet the audience before their recent “A Night at the Opera” program where they were joined by soprano Shelen Hughes and baritone Joseph Parrish at Russo's on the Bay.

Thank you to Council Member Joann Ariola for sponsoring this wonderful tradition of bringing music to the community and to Maestro Martin Majkut for the inspiring performance.

Happy Easter!

I extend my warmest wishes for a happy and blessed Easter to everyone celebrating the holiday on Sunday.

May your festivities be filled with joy, love and the hope of renewal!