October 20, 2023

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

My office works hard every day to get guns and drugs off the street and hold traffickers accountable. Our work is far from over, but we have made important progress, with Queens experiencing significant declines in major crimes that outpace the gains seen citywide. Through the middle of October of this year compared to the same period last year, we have seen: Murders decline 55% Shooting incidents decline 38% Shooting victims decline 40% These decreases correlate with our efforts to seize illegal weapons in the borough, with my office leading the way in the recovery of ghost guns—untraceable firearms assembled with cheap parts bought online. So far in 2023, 103 ghost guns have been seized in Queens—accounting for 35% of ghost gun recoveries citywide—among 678 firearms recovered in the borough this year. We will continue our relentless pursuit of deadly weapons and those who traffic them. My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe. In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

Queens man sentenced to 17 years in prison for attempted murder in Far Rockaway shooting Long Island man charged with kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment of girlfriend

Cold Case

If you have information about Rosario Prestigiacomo, who was killed in Ridgewood 14 years ago, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form. It is never too late for justice.

Domestic Violence Workshop

The Domestic Violence Bureau in my office and NYPD Community Affairs partnered with St. Mary & St. Antonios Coptic Orthodox Church in Ridgewood to host a National Domestic Violence Awareness Month information session. I urge anyone who may be experiencing intimate partner violence and needs safety planning services, or help in securing an order of protection or shelter placement, to call our 24-hour DV hotline: (718) 286-4410. You are not alone. We're here to help.

Donation to Queens Family Justice Center

Members of my Community Partnerships Division recently coordinated the delivery of bedding and personal care items to the Queens Family Justice Center. The center distributed the items during a wellness event for survivors of domestic violence. I thank the Family Justice Center for its vital work in helping victims reclaim their lives.

Youth Career Jumpstart Graduates

The Youth Career Jumpstart Program was launched last year by Rev. Phil Craig of the Greater Springfield Community Church to equip at-risk youth with essential career-ready skills and financial literacy. I had the pleasure of attending the graduation ceremony for the second class to complete the program, which is funded in part by my office through the Community Youth Development and Crime Prevention Project. Congratulations to the graduates!

Queens Jewish Community Council Gala

I joined, from left, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Queens Jewish Community Council President Michael Nussbaum and QJCC Executive Director Mayer Waxman this week for the organization’s 54th Anniversary Gala.  Since its inception in 1968, QJCC has become a leading umbrella organization in the borough, providing a safe space for residents and nonprofits to gather and advocate for their humanitarian causes.  The work of the council remains relevant and may be needed now more than ever to steer us through difficult and uncertain times.

Pet Adoption Event