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March 15, 2024
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
My office brought criminal charges recently against Fei Liang in connection with a scheme that defrauded $628,278 from senior citizens across the country.

Liang is alleged to have worked with a co-conspirator who called seniors and claimed to be from the Social Security Administration, their bank, or a vendor. He told the victims their accounts had been compromised and instructed the seniors to wire money to other accounts for “safekeeping.” 

The money was sent to bank accounts in Queens allegedly opened by Liang and from which he is accused of withdrawing the funds.

Thanks to the work of my Frauds Bureau, the NYPD's Financial Crime Task Force/Homeland Security Investigations and the Social Security Administration, the defendant was apprehended in Maryland and extradited to Queens. He now faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the many ways scammers take advantage of their victims. It is important stay vigilant and be aware of these tactics to protect yourselves and your loved ones.

Always suspect a scam if a caller is pressuring you, creating a sense of urgency. Never act immediately. Take the time to confer with someone you trust.

If you need help, contact my Frauds Bureau, at 718-286-6673 or Frauds@queensda.org.

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

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney
Cases of Interest
  • A doctor was arraigned on a new indictment charging him with sexually abusing a patient at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens hospital after another patient came forward. Charges come on the heels of a 50-count indictment in Aug. 2023 for raping six women.
  • A driver was arraigned on charged of criminally negligent homicide for speeding across traffic and through a crosswalk while making a left turn, killing an 8-year-old boy and injuring his 10-year-old brother.
  • An Edgemere man was arraigned on animal cruelty charges after a home search revealed abused dogs and cats. Drugs and ammo were also found in the home, leading to additional charges.
Cold Case
If you have information regarding unidentified female remains, found in Astoria 36 years ago, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.
Annual Mock Trial Competition
It was a pleasure to host our 9th Annual Mock Trial Competition over the weekend, with Stetson University School of Law besting 17 other top-tier, nationally ranked law schools.

The Stetson team’s victory marked the second year in a row that an all-female squad won the competition.

For our democracy to thrive, it is incumbent upon all of us in the legal profession to cultivate, nurture and promote the kind of young talent we saw on display here the past few days.

For their service and mentorship to the young legal scholars, I want to thank my colleagues in the judiciary and defense bar, as well as the prosecutors from my office who made this a memorable learning experience for the students. 
From left to right: Stetson winners Juliana McCabe, Carmela Brazzale, Kristen Ballard, Marjorie Kammerlohr, Judge Michael Yavinsky, Chief Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Naiburg, Assistant District Attorney Courtney Finnerty (Director of Litigation Training), Executive Assistant District Attorneys Pishoy Yacoub (Supreme Trial Division), Shawn Clark (Major Crimes Division) and Theresa Shanahan (Criminal Practice & Policy Division).
Elder Fraud Presentation
Education is key to preventing fraudulent activity, particularly among the senior population. To this end, my office has been actively engaging with senior centers across the borough, providing insights on the warning signs of common scams.

Thank you to the Ridgewood Older Adult Center for hosting our recent presentation on how to avoid becoming the victim of a scam. We will continue to make education an important part of our overall efforts to combat fraud in the community.
Women's History Month Celebration
Youth Development and Crime Prevention Project