October 27, 2023

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Freedom of religion and expression are foundational principles of our democracy. That is most true here in Queens, the World’s Borough, the most diverse county in the United States. I announced felony hate crime charges over the weekend against a defendant accused of taunting, punching and trying to knock off a fellow bus passenger’s turban, a head covering he wore as part of his religious practice as a Sikh. By charging the defendant with assault in the third degree as a hate crime, he faces two to four years in prison if convicted.  Regardless of the circumstances or motivation, unprovoked attacks will not be tolerated and will be aggressively prosecuted.  We will follow the evidence and pursue appropriate charges, whether that means assault as a hate crime, as in the case above, or longer maximum prison sentences, as in cases of manslaughter or murder. My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe. In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

Woman sentenced on sex trafficking, kidnaping, assault and robbery charges Man sentenced in Rufus King Park shooting death Bronx man charged with attempted murder for shooting at off-duty police detective in fit of road rage

Cold Case

If you have information about Hope Blakely, who was killed in Richmond Hill 34 years ago, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form. It is never too late for justice.

Empowerment Luncheon

My office partnered with Safe Horizon to host an empowerment luncheon this week for survivors of domestic violence. The luncheon, in recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, provided information about services and resources designed to uplift victims as they try to reclaim their lives. I urge anyone who may be experiencing intimate partner violence to call our 24-hour DV hotline: 718-286-4410. You are not alone. We're here to help.

New York Open Taekwondo Championships

I had a great time last weekend at the annual New York Open Taekwondo Championships and Korean Cultural Festival at Queens College. A huge thank you to the organizing committee and Senator John Lui for inviting me to be part of this amazing event. I enjoyed watching the competitors showcase their skills and embrace the rich Korean culture of Queens.

Hope and Leadership Academy

Members of my Youth Empowerment Unit kicked off our Hope and Leadership Academy Program by attending career and college fairs at the Far Rockaway Educational Complex, Richmond Hill High School, and Forest Hills High School. The program engages students in a positive environment so that they may learn about our office, discover new career pathways and gain valuable insights into future career opportunities.

Breast Cancer Walk

My office partnered with the Queens County Women's Bar Association for the recent American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The annual walk is held in October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness and money to fight the disease.

Deed Theft Educational Panel

Experts from my office will participate in a November 2 educational panel on deed theft and foreclosure prevention hosted by State Attorney General Letitia James. Education is our greatest resource in ensuring that individuals are not scammed out of their homes. RSVP for the panel by clicking here.