December 16, 2022

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Currently, legal cannabis sales in New York are only available to patients at 38 state-authorized medical dispensaries. State regulators recently awarded 36 of the state’s first retail dispensary licenses last month, indicating that legal sales of recreational cannabis would begin soon. This means that stores, trucks and other outlets currently selling recreational marijuana are doing so illegally. What consumers are buying from these sellers is not regulated and most certainly has not been tested by the state. In order to safeguard efforts to equitably and legally roll out the distribution of these products, I announced charges this week against two alleged operators of an illegal marijuana dispensary from a converted school bus in Rockaway Park, less than two blocks from nearby schools. The charges and seizure of the truck comes on the heels of an investigation by my office triggered by complaints about the illegal sales from members of the local community and amid growing health concerns about illicit cannabis products. My office will continue to support the needs of the community while safeguarding consumers from illegal business operations.

In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

Select Cases of Interest

Queens man sentenced to 8 years for sex trafficking homeless woman Brooklyn resident sentenced in deadly Belt Parkway crash Indictment secured on attempted rape, burglary for violent home invasion Indictment secured of alleged drug dealer in possession of deadly fentanyl

Efforts Against Deed Fraud

Deed theft is a merciless crime that targets seniors, and often people of color, who are reliant on their homes as a stabilizing force for their families and loved ones. Two Bureaus in my office - Frauds and Housing & Worker Protection - work every day to safeguard people's personal property and bring thieves to justice. We also regularly work with our law enforcements partners to bring down crews that steal people's homes. To that end, I commend State Attorney General Letitia James for her diligent efforts on behalf of New Yorkers. She recently announced an indictment of five members of a deed theft ring for allegedly stealing three homes worth more than $1 million in total from elderly, vulnerable homeowners in Jamaica and St. Albans. Channel 7 Eyewitness News covered the story, which could be viewed by clicking here.

Active Cold Case

This month marks the somber nine year anniversary since the death of Noel Hidalgo, found deceased inside a home in Richmond Hill. As part of our regular call for help, we are asking for any information regarding this case. Contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS or submitting a tip online. Remember, all tips are confidential and can remain anonymous!

Conference on Assisting Trauma Survivors

Our office works hard every day to bolster efforts against all forms of intimate partner violence. It was a great turnout at a recent workshop hosted by our agency partners, including NYC Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, Safe Horizon, and Arab-American Family Services, on best practices working with survivors of strangulation. If you need help, contact our helpline at 718-286-4410. Let's break the silence together.

The Queens Symphony Orchestra

Founded by my father, the Queens Symphony Orchestra remains near and dear to my heart. It was a special privilege to attend the QSO Holiday Magic Concert, conducted and directed by Martin Majkut as they celebrate the holiday season. My father's mission for the Orchestra was to make a lasting contribution to the cultural advancement of the community, particularly the youth. I am sure that he would be very proud of how the leadership of this organization has continued to carry on this mission.

Workshop to Combat Peer Pressure

As part of our Hope and Leadership Academy, two Assistant District Attorneys in my office, in collaboration with our Youth Empowerment Unit, led a discussion regarding the effects of peer pressure to the students of Robert H. Goddard MS 202. I thank Dean Mark Foster for providing us with an important opportunity to engage and educate the young people of this Borough.

Holiday Scams

As a reminder, when shopping during the holiday season - or any time of the year - always be mindful of the potential for scams. Fraudsters will take advantage of any opportunity to separate you from your money. Do your part to avoid becoming a victim. If you need help, reach out to our Frauds Bureau at 718-286-6673 or Frauds@queensda.org.