April 4, 2025

A Queens squatter was sentenced to two years in prison recently for illegally occupying a single-family home in Flushing and renting out rooms to others in February 2024.

The defendant forced himself into the house after the homeowner attempted to regain access, then falsely claimed that he was a legal tenant facing eviction and harassment. The incident was captured by a local news crew and generated national attention.

My office has prioritized removing those who enter a home without permission and returning the property to the rightful owner.

This defendant thought that he could get away with squatting inside someone else’s home and make a profit for himself based on his fictitious account of being a tenant.

Thanks to the work of my Housing and Worker Protection Bureau, the defendant will now spend time in prison for his criminal actions and the lawful homeowner has her property back.

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

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• Three people were indicted on charges of murder and other crimes for the 2019 stabbing death of 17-year-old Talasia Cuffie. The victim attended a memorial basketball game and was then lured to a quiet block and stabbed.
• A sibling was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for fatally stabbing his 52-year-old brother in July 2022. The incident occurred during an argument inside a multi-unit Jamaica residence where the two men lived on separate floors.
• A Queens defendant was convicted of murder in the first degree and other crimes for the killing of his girlfriend and two of her family members in June 2022. He faces up to life in prison.
• Two NYPD officers have been indicted on criminal charges for allegedly breaking into a building, stealing money and accosting a woman in Jackson Heights in July 2024.

Sexual Assault Awareness

In recognition of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, our office proudly participates in the #WearTeal campaign, a powerful initiative dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual violence and fostering a culture of awareness and prevention.

We stand in solidarity with those who have experienced trauma as we seek justice and advocate for a society free from sexual violence.

Information Wanted

If you have information regarding an unidentified male, who was shot to death in Maspeth 31 years ago, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

The victim had distinctive tattoos that may help identify him.

It is never too late for justice.

Spring Class of 2025

I was glad to welcome six new lawyers to the office as part of our spring class of 2025.

The talented Assistant District Attorneys chose to start their prosecutorial careers in Queens and join us in our mission to keep our borough safe, while also ensuring a fairer and more just criminal justice system for all.

The new ADAs received their degrees from Columbia Law School, Cornell Law School, Emory University of Law, Harvard Law School, the University of Connecticut School of Law and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law.

We look forward to guiding and mentoring them every step of the way.

Law Enforcement Hero Presentation

I was proud to participate in the New York Rangers Law Enforcement Community Hero Presentation this week.

New York Ranger jerseys were provided to NYPD 75th Precinct officers Miryam LaDolce and Qasim Qureshi.

On January 25, both officers responded to a 911 call for an unresponsive child. They performed life-saving measures and transported her, in their patrol car, to a local hospital. Thankfully, as they arrived, the child regained consciousness and began breathing again. Their efforts saved the child’s life.

Photo credit: New York Rangers

Digital Defense Workshop

As a reminder, join us for a digital defense workshop at the Queens Public Library in Flushing on Tuesday, April 8.

Registration is required. Click here or the flyer below to RSVP.