May 6, 2022

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This week, I announced a number of charges against a family of alleged scam artists, including grand larceny, forgery, perjury, identify theft, defrauding the government and official misconduct. As alleged, these defendants used virtually every trick in the book to pull off an assortment of illegal scams over more than a decade – including taking control of a $700,000-plus home of a longtime Laurelton resident who died in 2010. Though the defendants will now be held to account for their one-family crime spree, this case serves as a vital warning for Queens residents. Frauds are on the rise throughout the borough and prevention is key to thwarting such crimes. Homeowners should make sure to: Register for the Notice of Recorded Document Program, which notifies you when a document related to your property is recorded. Contact the Department of Finance if you stop receiving property tax bills and the Department of Environmental Protection if you stop receiving water bills. If your property is vacant, check it often to make sure it is not occupied illegally. Make sure your will clearly states who should inherit your property when you pass away. Just as importantly, this case highlights the unrelenting efforts of my Office to stop and deter fraudsters at every level. I'd like to thank the State Department of Taxation and Finance, the City Department of Investigation, NYS Homes and Community Renewal, the City Department of Social Services, and the U.S. Department of Labor for their instrumental assistance in this investigation.

In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

In The Courts

Queens man pleads guilty to attempted murder in shooting of delivery driver who blocked traffic with truck Queens man sentenced to 25 years-to-life in prison following jury conviction for the murder of his property owner’s son Defendant found guilty of murder in shooting death of Queens man gunned down in 2011 Brooklyn man pleads guilty to sex trafficking runaway teenager

Clergy Breakfast

The Greater Springfield Development Cooperation and Rochdale Village Community Relations Committee hosted a Queens Clergy Breakfast earlier this week, which I was pleased to attend. A number of city agencies and elected officials were on-site to discuss issues related to education, mental health care, youth programming and public safety. I took the opportunity to discuss the ongoing mission of my Office to administer Brave Justice - keeping Queens communities safe while helping to create a more equitable criminal justice system. I thank Rev. Phil Craig, Ms. Jean Castro, and Mr. Clifton Diaz for having me.

Reproductive Rights

This week marked a time of national discord over a leaked draft memo by the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, which would effectively end reproductive health rights for millions of women around the country. When I first took office, I joined nearly 70 District Attorneys and Attorney Generals across the country in a statement pledging not to enforce laws criminalizing abortion. In our view, resources are better utilized to prevent and address serious crimes that impact our community rather than enforcing laws that divide our community, create untenable choices for women and healthcare providers, and erode trust in the justice system.  I am proud that New York State acts as a safe haven for women seeking safe and legal access to reproductive healthcare. My Office will continue to ensure that those rights are protected in Queens County.

Information Wanted

As part of our regular call for help, we are asking for information regarding the death of Stevie Bates, who was last seen alive ten years ago inside the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Her remains were found in September 2020 buried in Ridgewood. Those responsible for her death have yet to answer for this heinous crime. But you can help. Contact NYPD Crimestoppers with any information. Help us bring justice for Stevie and her loved ones.

Crime Prevention Forum

Members of the Community Partnerships Division joined the New Order of Solutions Inc., STYLES Inc., Senator Leroy Comrie, and Councilmember Nantasha Williams in St. Albans for a conversation on violence prevention and resources available for victims. Co-hosting important discussions with local residents is one of the many ways that we are strengthening partnerships and ensuring trust with the communities we serve.

Family Field Day

Calling all Southeast Queens families! In partnership with the Southeast Queens Cleanup Initiative and local elected officials, my office is co-sponsoring a Spring Family Field Day at Roy Wilkins Park on Saturday, May 14th from 3pm - 7pm. Come and enjoy games, sports activities, music workshops, arts & crafts, and more. To register, or for more information, visit SEQFamilyFieldDay.Eventbrite.com.