December 2, 2022

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This week marked the beginning of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an annual international campaign that calls for the prevention and elimination of such harm against members of our communities. We have made great strides in preventing and responding to gender-based violence throughout this Borough and New York City. However, such crimes continue to be some of the most underreported incidents. As District Attorney, I am committed to making sure that perpetrators are held accountable while victims are connected with meaningful services to help them reclaim their lives. The Domestic Violence Bureau in my Office works every day to investigate and prosecute intimate partner violence, including harassment, assault, violations of orders of protection, as well as cases involving strangulation, stalking and attempted murder.  The Bureau works closely with the Queens Family Justice Center, part of the Mayor's Office to End Gender-Based Violence, to ensure that victims are connected to safety planning and counseling services.  If you find yourself in an unsafe situation, know that resources are available. Contact our Domestic Violence Helpline at 718-286-4410, day or night. You will have the opportunity to connect with an Assistant District Attorney or a service provider for assistance. You do not have to suffer in silence. My Office is here to help.

In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

Ghost Guns Crack Down

Ghost guns place countless members of our communities at risk. These weapons do not bear serial numbers and can be made by individuals from the comfort of their own home. That is why my Office has been relentless in its pursuit of ghost guns and their manufacturers. Over the past year, the Crime Strategies and Intelligence Unit I created has conducted a total of 20 investigations leading to criminal charges against 22 defendants and the recovery of 113 ghost guns from the streets of Queens County. We also routinely assist our law enforcement partners on the State and Federal level to infiltrate trafficking rings and dismantle what I call the "Polymer Pipeline." Earlier this week, State Attorney General Letitia James announced a 438-count indictment, charging three individuals from a gun trafficking operation that illegally sold 47 firearms throughout our State. I thank the Attorney General and our partners in law enforcement and will continue to utilize all resources against these weapons to help keep New Yorkers safe.

Judiciary Night with the Queens County Women's Bar Association

Members of my Executive staff and I recently had the pleasure of attending a celebratory evening hosted by the Queens County Women's Bar Association in honor of the new Appointees to the New York Court of Appeals. For there to be faith in the criminal justice system, there must be faith in its outcomes. I remain dedicated to working in close partnership with our Court officials and law professionals to ensure that we are utilizing the best practices in our judicial system with direct input from the public. Together, we will achieve safety on our streets and equity inside our courtrooms.

Photo credit: Walter Karling and the Queens Daily Eagle

Productive Conversations with Our Youth

While school may be winding down soon, our two student internship programs are in full swing as we continue to engage our young people on the important processes within the criminal justice system. Most recently, participants of our Legal Explorers program had the opportunity to hear from a New York State Court Officers about the duties of the profession and the day-to-day operation of the courts. Meanwhile, participants of our Student Advisory Council participated in a discussion with the Executive Assistant District Attorney Theresa Shanahan regarding the impact of bail reform in our State. The Youth Empowerment Unit reaches hundreds of youths on an ongoing basis to teach them to think critically and communicate effectively. For more information on any of our programs, email YouthEmpowerment@queensda.org or call 718.286.6400.

Warning for Seniors

During the holiday season, our senior citizens may be uniquely targeted by scammers and fraudsters. Don't fall for their tricks! If you feel you've been a victim, reach out to our Frauds Bureau at 718-286-6673 or Frauds@queensda.org. We're here to help.