December 20, 2024

My office is relentless in our pursuit of drug trafficking operations that peddle poison and fuel criminal activity throughout the borough.

I announced the takedown of a significant narcotics organization based in Jamaica this week, following an extensive two-year investigation in collaboration with the New York Police Department. The operation led to the indictment of nine individuals charged with conspiracy, drug trafficking, and various other crimes.

According to the charges and investigation, the crew sold crack cocaine, powder cocaine, heroin, heroin mixed with fentanyl, and fentanyl at various locations throughout Jamaica. The primary activity took place in the vicinity of 109th Avenue and 157th Street, directly adjacent to the P.S. 48, The David N. Dinkins School for Community Service.

Approximately 466 grams of cocaine, 288 grams of fentanyl and 91 grams of heroin were seized during court-authorized search warrants. Just two milligrams of fentanyl is considered to be a lethal dose.

I thank members of my Major Economic Crimes Bureau and the NYPD, especially the undercover officers who placed themselves directly in harm’s way, for their work on this case.

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

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• A Manhattan man has been sentenced to up to 29 years to life in prison for the murder of a 29-year-old transgender woman inside the victim’s Glendale apartment in 2010.
• A South Ozone Park man has been convicted by a jury of attempted murder, attempted aggravated assault of a police officer, kidnapping and other charges for threatening his then wife, an off-duty police officer, with her own service weapon during a harrowing domestic violence incident in September 2021.
• A Kew Gardens Hills man was indicted for attempted murder for shooting two men over a parking dispute.

ASPCA Honor

My office is unwavering in its commitment to advocate for the voiceless members of our community: animals. Our dedicated Animal Cruelty Prosecutions Unit plays a crucial role in this mission, focusing solely on the investigation and prosecution of all misdemeanor and felony crimes against animals. 

Recently, we had the honor of receiving recognition from our partners at the ASPCA, which presented the 2024 Award of Excellence to Assistant District Attorney Justin P. Bobko for his outstanding work in this area.

This acknowledgment not only highlights the dedication of my team but also emphasizes the importance of advocating for animal rights. I have long advocated for enforcing and strengthening New York State's animal cruelty laws. It is time to correct an imbalance that exists within the current criminal statutes to make sure that we hold those who abuse animals fully accountable for their heinous actions.

Photo caption: Erin Satterthwaite, NYC Senior Counsel, ASPCA Legal Advocacy and Assistant District Attorney Justin P. Bobko, Queens DA's Animal Cruelty Unit. Photo credit: ASPCA

Thomas E. Dewey Awards

I am proud to announce that Assistant District Attorney Mark Osnowitz, Chief of my Felony Trial Bureau II, has been awarded the prestigious Thomas E. Dewey medal by the New York City Bar Association, recognizing his exceptional contributions to our office and the broader legal community.

This esteemed honor, presented annually to six exceptional prosecutors from District Attorney's offices in New York City and the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, reflects the highest standards of dedication and professionalism upheld by prosecutors in our quests for justice.

Scooter Seizures

An additional 24 scooters, which were parked illegally, have been removed along Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights in recent weeks, as part of the joint ongoing enforcement initiative between my office and the NYPD with assistance from the State Police.

To date, more than 1,000 such vehicles have been taken off the streets in Queens for being uninsured, unregistered and illegally parked on sidewalks and streets along busy commercial strips with high pedestrian traffic. 

Retail Theft Task Force

I was proud to present at the recent meeting of the Mayor's Retail Theft Task Force on the continued success we have had in combatting this problem throughout Queens.

We are all too familiar with the shoplifting that plagues our local merchants. Confronting the retail theft epidemic requires the utilization of all of the tools in our toolbox in law enforcement, as well as the addition of new and innovative tools.

That is why we are actively investigating and prosecuting organized retail theft networks while providing appropriate avenues for second chances through our Merchants Business Improvement Program.

Toy Giveaways

This holiday season, we were proud to host three successful toy giveaway events, providing hundreds of toys to families in need across our vibrant borough.

These events not only bring joy to children, but they also help strengthen the bonds of our communities by supporting families during a time that can be challenging to many.

Thank you to our co-sponsors, The Glow Cultural Center, Congresswoman Grace Meng, Congressman Gregory Meeks, State Senators Joe Addabbo and John Liu, and Council Members Adrienne Adams and Sandra Ung for helping to make this possible!

Beware of Scams This Holiday Season