July 25, 2025

My office filed criminal charges this week against a former Amazon employee for allegedly stealing close to 2,000 pairs of work boots and sneakers through a program meant to provide free safety footwear to new employees.

The defendant allegedly created accounts in the names of new employees without their knowledge and obtained the shoes, later reselling them on eBay.

The total amount of stolen property is valued at $224,000.

Retail theft, whether against mom-and-pop shops or large corporations, hurts all consumers as it causes prices to rise.

I thank the prosecutors of my dedicated Frauds Bureau and our law enforcement partners for their work on this long-term investigation.

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

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• A  driver was sentenced to seven to 21 years in prison for a collision on the Long Island Expressway in November 2023 that left one of his passengers dead. The defendant was driving approximately 89 mph and under the influence of alcohol, when he slammed into an exit barrier causing a chain-reaction collision.
• A husband was indicted on two counts of murder in the second degree for the death of his 48-year-old wife. The defendant allegedly struck the victim repeatedly on her face, head and body and later found her unconscious in November 2024. He allegedly waited more than seven hours before calling for help.
• A Massachusetts man was sentenced to 12 years in prison for approaching a 45-year-old woman outside her home and shooting her in the upper thigh over her relative’s alleged unpaid financial debt. The victim had never met the defendant and was not involved in the alleged financial dispute.

Unlicensed Cannabis Bust

Members of my office, working alongside the 103rd police precinct and the New York City Sheriff’s Cannabis Task Force, executed a search warrant recently at Hollis Convenience, located at 190-12 99th Avenue in Southeast Queens. 

During the search, a total of 11 pounds of cannabis, 28.8 pounds of flavored vapes, more than five pounds of THC vapes, 2 pounds of edibles and two gravity knives were recovered. An additional 31.4 pounds of various other tobacco-based products were seized. The location was not properly authorized or licensed to sell any of the items discovered.

Information Wanted

If you have information regarding the death of Demika Moore, who was found dead in an alleyway in Jamaica 15 years ago, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

Greeting our High School Interns

In addition to our Brave Justice law interns, we were proud to greet the newest cohort of our high school internship program.

Under the guidance of our Youth Empowerment Unit, this immersive program is designed to ensure that young individuals encounter the legal system in a nurturing and supportive environment. 

By fostering a space where they can learn, ask questions and gain vital skills, we are not only empowering the youth of Queens but also reinforcing our commitment to community engagement and public safety.

Astoria Community Center

Our high school interns recently teamed up with Astoria Houses Youth Enrichment Services to improve the Astoria Community Center.

Members of my Community Partnerships Division led the interns through hands-on activities like painting, weeding and planting. The beautified center will be enjoyed by local residents for years to come!