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March 21, 2025

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

My office secured an indictment against four individuals and three companies on charges of grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property and other crimes for allegedly stealing three homes from their rightful owners in the neighborhoods of Kew Gardens Hills, Queens Village and Jamaica Estates.


As alleged, the four defendants acted in concert to target properties, forge documents, file false instruments and ultimately steal the homes, collectively valued at over $3 million.


The crew surrendered to my Detectives Bureau this week and were arraigned for their alleged roles in the deed fraud scheme that spanned from March to July 2023. A total of $403,000 in funds was recovered and seized by my office as part of this investigation.


Property ownership is a fundamental right and we work to protect that right in this borough.


My Housing and Worker Protection Bureau investigates and prosecutes bad actors who often think they can get away with stealing the most valuable asset of Queens residents.


If you think you may have been a victim of deed theft or mortgage fraud, email HousingWorkerProtection@queensda.org or call 718.286.6673. We're here to help.


My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe.


In Friendship,


Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Inside City Hall

It was a pleasure joining Errol Louis on Inside City Hall this week to discuss efforts in the state Legislature to amend discovery laws.


The modest proposed changes will preserve the early disclosure of evidence and dramatically reduce the number of case dismissals that prevent justice for victims.

Information Wanted

If you have information regarding the death of Maurice Gordon, shot and killed in Jamaica five years ago, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.


It is never too late for justice.

Women's History Month Celebration

I was proud to host our annual Women’s History Month Celebration, co-sponsored by Queens College, the Queens County Women’s Bar Association and the Center for the Women of New York.


Award-winning international speaker and best-selling author Dr. Stacie N.C. Grant served as the keynote and delivered a powerful speech about fighting for and preserving women's rights.


Congratulations to the night's honorees for being recognized on behalf of the office for their exceptional leadership and achievements.

From left to right: Pamela Byer, Senior Deputy Bureau Chief of Legal Hiring at the Queens DA's Office, Michelle McKinnon, Systems Administrator at the Queens DA's Office, Dr. Stacie N.C. Grant, Queens DA Melinda Katz, Debra Markell Kleinert, District Manager at Queens Community Board 2, Malini Shah, Vice President of the Center for the Women of New York Board of Directors, Liza Marquez, Manager for External & Governmental Relations at Queens College.

Hamilton Beach Civic Association

The New Hamilton Beach Civic Association serves a community that was affected greatly by Hurricane Sandy and continues to feel the aftermath years later.


The unwavering commitment of the civic association to the community is evident in their tireless advocacy for storm and flooding resiliency measures, ensuring that the voices of local residents are not only heard but actively addressed. I was glad to stop by their monthly meeting to discuss the efforts of my office to keep Queens safe and to continue our close partnership in ensuring the well-being of the civic members.

Community Outreach

Members of my Community Partnerships Division provided literature on the resources offered by the office during a community outreach event sponsored by the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission in Woodhaven.


This collaborative effort served as a great opportunity to provide community members with the information they need to navigate challenges they may face.