May 17, 2024
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I announced an indictment secured by my office this week against an alleged squatter for illegally occupying a home in Jamaica and forging leasing documents in an effort to stake his claim as a legal tenant. It was the second such case we brought in a month. According to the charges, the defendant went as far as filing a lawsuit against the rightful owner and her broker in civil court.

You cannot claim rights to a home that you have entered illegally.

We will bring charges not only for the unlawful occupancy, but also for any forged documents used in the commission of the crime.

The New York Post recently published an editorial on the importance of such efforts to ensure that individual are not robbed of their rightful property. 

The law does not permit illegal residency and we will continue to prosecute such cases in Queens.

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

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney
Cases of Interest
  • An alleged serial shoplifter was remanded into custody, charged with stealing $170k worth of jewelry from Queens stores.
Cold Case
If you have information regarding the death of Dennis Walter, shot and killed in Jamaica 12 years ago, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.
Illegal Scooters Seizure
Unregistered scooters are not only illegal, but they're also used to commit crimes, including shootings and robberies, without accountability or ability to identify the culprit.

I announced the seizure of 95 scooters with the NYPD last week, increasing our total to 412 taken off the streets since February. All vehicles confiscated were parked illegally on the sidewalks and no standing zones. Nearly all were unregistered and uninsured.

Our proactive enforcement efforts will continue to ensure compliance and eradicate the public threat they pose.
AAPI Heritage Celebration
It was a special privilege to host our annual Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration to honor the many contributions of AAPI communities to Queens.

Justice Randall T. Eng gave a moving keynote speech on the importance of paying tribute to your heritage.

The vast array of traditions, perspectives, and backgrounds in this borough is our greatest strength. My office will continue to protect and celebrate the rich diversity of Queens.

Congratulations to the night's honorees for their outstanding public service (pictured below).
From left to right: New York City Council Member Linda Lee, Director Yijun Wang of the DA's Administration Division, Queens College President Frank Wu, District Attorney Melinda Katz, Justice Randall T. Eng, Assistant District Attorney Olivia Quinto of the DA's Felony Trials Bureau, Assistant District Attorney Rosemary Chao of the DA's Felony Trials Bureau.
Night at the Opera
The Queens Symphony Orchestra, founded by my late father, never fails to impress the audience. Their recent performance at Russo's on the Bay was no exception, leaving the attendees in awe.

Thank you to Council Member Joann Ariola (pictured left) for sponsoring this wonderful tradition of bringing music to the community. The brilliant work and vison of Maestro Martin Majkut (pictured center) will inspire generations.
Mother's Day Celebration at India Home
I had the pleasure of visiting India Home for a special Mother's Day celebration recently where I spoke to the attendees about my office's work in keeping Queens safe.

This organization provides a vital support system for the elderly, enriching their lives and providing essential assistance. I extend my gratitude to Dr. Vasundhara Kalasapudi (pictured left), India Home's founder, for inviting me to this special event.
South Korean Delegation
My office recently hosted Deputy Minister of Justice Soon-Jeong Kwon and his delegation of prosecutors from the South Korean Ministry of Justice. The delegation was in town for an international summit on disruptive technology protection with Department of Justice officials in Washington, D.C.

Chief Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Naiburg (pictured center) and ADAs from my office discussed the value of resource sharing, as well as crime trends and policies within our criminal justice system.  
Jewish American Heritage Month Celebration
You are cordially invited to our annual Jewish American Heritage Month celebration at Queens College.

Registration is required to attend the event. Please use this link to RSVP.