May 29, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

When someone steals a person’s paycheck, they are also stealing their dignity.

This week, my office returned $28,000 in stolen wages to 30 former employees who were exploited by the owner of multiple cleaning companies.

The defendant – who operated the cleaning companies with his wife – was convicted earlier this year of failing to pay workers. He was ordered to pay restitution to his victims and serve five years of probation at his sentencing.

The couple are also banned from incorporating new companies in New York for five years.

Thanks to an investigation by my Housing, Worker, and Consumer Protection Bureau, we were able to return the money to the workers and hold the defendant accountable.

I thank our partners at the New York State Department of Labor and the Worker’s Justice Project for their assistance in this case.

If you have been a victim of wage theft, please contact my office at 718-286-6673.

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

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• A defendant who shot and killed a 20-year-old man, and injured two others, was sentenced to 75 years to life in prison. The shooting incident was the first homicide of the year in 2021 and occurred outside the former Umbrella Hotel in Kew Gardens.

Information Wanted

If you have any information about the shooting death of Daniel Gunthrie, who was gunned down on 167th Street in Jamaica nearly 16 years ago, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

Memorial Day Observance

Over Memorial Day weekend, I had the privilege of joining community members, veterans and local leaders at parades in Laurelton, Rosedale, and Little Neck-Douglaston.

These annual traditions bring us together to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Thank you to everyone who participated in these meaningful ceremonies and helped ensure that the legacy of our nation’s heroes continues to be remembered throughout Queens.

Rego Park Jewish Center

It was a pleasure to visit the Rego Park Jewish Center for Shavuot services and the community Shavuot lunch.

At a time when communities face an alarming rise in antisemitic incidents, we remain steadfast in standing with our Jewish friends and neighbors against hate in all its forms.

I am grateful to the congregation for their warm welcome and look forward to returning soon.

Eid al-Adha

I extended my warm wishes and an “Eid Mubarak” during the Eid al-Adha prayer service held by the Jamaica Muslim Center Wednesday.

This important holiday reminds us of the values of faith, compassion and service to others. I hope everyone had a safe and meaningful celebration.

Majority Baptist Church

My recent visit to Majority Baptist Church in Jamaica provided a valuable opportunity to connect with congregants and discuss the ongoing efforts of my office to combat crime and fraud in our communities.

Churches and community organizations play a vital role in helping us strengthen trust and ensure that residents are informed about the initiatives and resources available through the District Attorney’s Office.

114th Police Precinct

Community Council meetings provide a valuable forum for residents to connect directly with their local precincts and discuss the issues impacting their neighborhoods.

Thank you to 114th Precinct Community Council President Ted Psahos and Deputy Inspector Seth Lynch for inviting me to speak about some of the work being carried out by my office and our continued efforts to keep Queens communities safe. I was also honored to participate in the Council's "Cop of the Month" ceremony which honored two outstanding officers from the precinct.

QDA Mobile Office is Coming to Woodside and Corona

Meeting Queens residents where they live and gather, the DA’s Mobile Office provides a perfect opportunity to get the answers you need.

Members of the DA's office meet with the public at area libraries, answer questions and provide information on available resources. The next stops for the Mobile Office are on June 11 at the Woodside location, followed by the Langston Hughes branch on June 25 in Corona.