September 29, 2023

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I joined Governor Kathy Hochul this week for the signing of a legislative package to extend protections against human trafficking in our city and state. This heinous crime remains one of the most underreported and Queens is especially vulnerable as the home to two major airports and a large immigrant population. The Human Trafficking Bureau I created in 2020 aggressively investigates and prosecutes all sex and labor trafficking crimes while also connecting survivors with meaningful services, support, and tools to enable them to safely escape their situations. The state bills signed into law by Governor Hochul will further assist in these efforts by ensuring that public transportation hubs across the state display information on services available to victims. The newly signed legislation also gives additional funding for service providers, extends the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking for four years and directs the task force to investigate connections between trafficking and social media. If you know a victim of trafficking or commercial exploitation, need information, or would like to be connected to social, legal, or immigration services, my office is here to help. For more information, email HumanTrafficking@queensda.org, or call 718-286-6548. My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe. In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

Woman charged with aggravated vehicular assault and driving while under the influence for allegedly hitting a school crossing guard in Maspeth Five people charged after search warrants turns up drugs and weapons

Boyfriend Sentenced In Women’s Death

My office secured the conviction of defendant Kareem Flake, who was sentenced this week to 22 years in prison for killing Destini Smothers, the 26-year-old mother of his two children, in November 2020. The victim’s remains were discovered four months later in the trunk of an abandoned car belonging to Flake. An autopsy found that Smothers died from a gunshot wound to the head. I urge victims of domestic violence who need safety planning services, or help in securing an order of protection or shelter placement, to immediately contact a Family Justice Center or to call her office’s 24-hour DV Helpline, at 718-286-4410.

Cold Case

If you have information about Antonia Stassi, who was killed in Astoria 24 years ago, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form. It is never too late for justice.

Queens County Bar Association

The Queens County Bar Association celebrated the move to its new headquarters recently with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of the office on Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica. I was glad to join members of the association as well as the judiciary, including Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas, for this momentous occasion.

Photo credit: Walter Karling

Senior Appreciation

Staff from my Community Partnerships division had the pleasure of joining Assembly Member David Weprin's office for a two-part program in honor of Senior Appreciation Month. The event featured a “Yoga for Seniors” lesson, followed by a health fair with resources and giveaways from my office and our agency partners.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration