December 5, 2025

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

A Queens man was sentenced to 20 years in prison this week for attacking a woman outside her Flushing building in 2022 and ransacking her apartment.

The defendant, who was on trial in April, fled the courtroom during a break in proceedings.

A jury found the defendant guilty in absentia of burglary in the first and second degrees, robbery in the first and second degrees and unlawful imprisonment in the second degree.

Thankfully, he was apprehended in Kew Gardens Hills in November.

This defendant thumbed his nose at the criminal justice system and defied a judge’s order to not leave the courthouse during his trial. I thank my prosecutors who secured this conviction and our law enforcement partners who never stopped looking for the defendant.

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

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• A Jamaica man was sentenced to 28 1/2 years in prison for the hit-and-run crash on Mother's Day in 2022 that resulted in the death of a 49-year-old woman. The victim was just steps from her home when the defendant struck two parked cars, causing one vehicle to strike and kill the victim.
• In a first-of-its kind decision, the Court of Appeals ruled that a Queens defendant forfeited his right to be tried by 12 people by tampering with the jury during deliberations. He was convicted by 11 jurors. The case was chronicled in a New York Times article.

Meeting with the Queens Borough President's Cabinet

I met with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and his cabinet to discuss public safety trends in Queens. I discussed in detail our recent takedown of 32 reputed gang members responsible for 13 separate shootings in Southeast Queens and our ongoing effort with the NYPD to get unlicensed, unregistered and uninsured scooters off our streets.

We also discussed my office’s efforts to combat deed fraud and prosecute squatters who illegally take possession of properties and refuse to leave. Our priority is returning homes to their rightful owners.

Information Wanted

If you have any information regarding the murder of Noel Hidalgo, who was found beaten to death 12 years ago in Richmond HIll, we urge you to contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

Thomas H. Dewey Medal Winner

Congratulations to Homicide Bureau Deputy Chief Jonathan Selkowe on being awarded the prestigious Thomas H. Dewey Medal from the New York City Bar Association in recognition of his exceptional contributions to our office and the broader legal community.

The Thomas E. Dewey Medal is presented annually to an outstanding assistant district attorney in each of the city’s District Attorney’s offices and in the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor and reflects the highest standards of dedication and professionalism upheld by prosecutors in our quests for justice.

Holiday Tree Lighting

Building trust in the community is an important part of law enforcement. It was a pleasure to join the United Community Civic Association for its tree lighting event at McManus Memorial Park. This colorful tree in East Elmhurst is a sure sign that the holiday season is upon us.

I wish everyone a joyful and safe holiday.

Be Mindful of Scammers