March 14, 2025

My office charged a Kew Gardens Hills woman with grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property for scamming senior citizens out of more than $500,000 in a nationwide elder fraud scheme.

The victims received phone calls from a co-conspirator who pretended to be a government official and convinced them to send money to banks in Queens and upstate New York.

In one instance, a 92-year-old resident in Hawaii received a phone call from someone purporting to be a government official from the Federal Trade Commission, claiming that the victim's identity had been stolen. In another instance, an 83-year-old Kentucky man received a phone call from a “Mike from Amazon” who claimed that the victim's identity had been stolen. 

Both seniors were then instructed to wire their money to a separate account for "security" reasons. 

No one should be embarrassed if they find themselves at the receiving end of scams or frauds. It is vital that every incident be reported to law enforcement. 

If you suspect that you have fallen victim to a scam, please contact our Frauds Bureau at Frauds@queensda.org or by calling 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

Cases of Interest

• A Richmond Hill man has been indicted for attempted murder for a brutal attack on his stepson and the 8-year-old’s mother was charged with assault. The child suffered life-threatening injuries as the result of the abuse, required feeding tubes and weeks of hospitalization.
• A defendant was convicted of murder following a jury trial for the fatal shooting of Tyrone Jones in St. Albans on February 7, 2021. The victim was sitting in a parked car when the defendant came up and shot him 11 times.

Mock Trial Competition

Our 10th annual mock trial competition saw students from 18 nationally ranked law schools display a high level of dedication, preparation and competence over the weekend.

Thank you to the judiciary and defense bar for helping us provide this immersive learning experience each year.

Congratulations to Chicago-Kent College of Law of the Illinois Institute of Technology on taking first place honors in this year’s competition!

From left to right: Champion team members Kathryn Connors, Aidan Boyle (who also won Best Oral Advocate, Final Round), Allyson Weubbe, John Travlos and Queens DA Melinda Katz. 

Information Wanted

If you have information regarding an unidentified male, whose remains were found in Woodside 11 years ago, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

The victim's possible portraits, pictured below, were generated by forensic artist PJ Puterbaugh using AI technology.

It is never too late for justice.

City Council Hearing

The New York City Council conducted preliminary budget hearings on public safety this week and I testified on the crucial need to preserve and expand the key criminal justice initiatives I have implemented since taking office in 2020.

Under my administration, the Queens District Attorney's Office remains steadfast in its commitment to public safety, prioritizing programs that empower young people, treat everyone with dignity and enhance the protection of the vibrant communities that call this borough home. 

International Women's Day

The Girija Prasad Koirala (GPK) Foundation America recently hosted a vibrant community celebration to mark the 115th International Women’s Day and the foundation's fifth anniversary.

The event emphasized the theme "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” and recognized the invaluable contributions of local advocates, including our very own Rokeya Akhter from the Community Partnerships Division, who was honored for her dedicated community advocacy.

Rochdale Village's Women's History Month Celebration

I was deeply honored to receive recognition at the recent Women's History Month Celebration hosted by the Rochdale Village Senior Citizens Committee.

This event not only celebrated the achievements of women but also provided a vital platform for discussing the pressing issues that shape the Rochdale community.

During my keynote speech, I emphasized my mission to uphold safety while advocating for a fair and inclusive criminal justice system.

Mobile Office

Members of my Community Partnerships Division had a great time speaking with patrons at the Queens Public Library in Bay Terrace recently.

Join us at our next stop in Ridgewood on Thursday, March 27, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Women's History Month Celebration

As a reminder, please join us for our annual celebration of Women's History Month.

The event will take place on Wednesday, March 19, and registration is required.

To RSVP, click here or on the flyer below.