December 15, 2023

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I announced the takedown of a sprawling drug trafficking organization this week that reached from Jamaica to suburban Suffolk and Westchester Counties and involved several members of the same family. The 15-month investigation resulted in drug and gun charges against 11 defendants, three as major traffickers, and search warrants executed at seven residences and three vehicles. One of the defendants is charged with employing his siblings, wife, and girlfriend to help run the family drug business and with supplying dealers operating out of Major Mark Park in Queens. My office and the NYPD seized one and a half kilograms of heroin laced with fentanyl, more than 10,000 glassines of heroin, four kilograms of cocaine, more than 250 vials containing crack cocaine and eight guns, including an assault weapon. Those who peddle poison are on notice. There is no higher priority for my office than to rid our communities of drugs and guns. This type of ‘family business’ will simply not pay. We will not relent in our efforts to dismantle trafficking rings and bring to justice those who put countless lives at risk by running open air drug markets. I thank the members of my Major Economic Crimes Bureau, the NYPD, Yonkers and Suffolk County Police Departments and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their great work on this case. My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe. In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

Man indicted in murder of landlady after rent dispute Familial drug trafficking ring dismantled

Cold Case

If you have information regarding John Jeff, killed in Jamaica three years ago, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form. It is never too late for justice.

Queens Borough President's Cabinet Meeting

I joined Queens Borough President Donovan Richards to deliver opening remarks at a recent borough cabinet meeting attended by the district managers of Queens community boards.  The meeting was an important opportunity to discuss the efforts of my office to keep Queens residents safe, as well as the myriad resources we offer through our service-provider partners.

Elder Fraud Presentation

The Elmcor Golden Phoenix Club senior center in East Elmhurst recently invited my office to host a presentation on deed theft, predatory lending, and fraud prevention. Anybody can fall victim to a scam. But you can still take steps to protect yourself. Suspect a scam if:  An unknown person is asking for cash  Someone on the phone is pressuring you, creating a sense of urgency or secrecy Payments are demanded in cash or gift cards Always ask yourself, “Does this sound too good to be true?” And NEVER act immediately. Take some time to confer with a trusted person.

Holiday Toys Distribution

The Community Partnerships Division in my office joined with the NYC 100 Strong organization to collect hundreds of toys in order to bring holiday cheer to children in need. The donated gifts – more than 300 dolls, games, books, balls, stuffed animals, puzzles, and action figures – will be distributed to afterschool programs around the borough.

Kissena Park Civic Association

Civic associations are the backbone of Queens communities. It was a pleasure to attend the December meeting of the Kissena Civic Association to discuss the progress my office has made in keeping Queens safe. Murders are down 43 percent and shootings are down 34 percent so far this year, larger decreases than seen citywide. I will continue to do all that I can to keep our communities safe.

South Korean Delegation of Prosecutors

Chief Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Naiburg recently hosted delegates from the South Korean Ministry of Justice to discuss how cases are handled involving defendants with mental illness in the United States.   The dignitaries visited prosecutors' offices in New York, Los Angeles and Washington DC to get a comprehensive view of these unique cases.

Peer Pressure Discussion

The Youth Empowerment Unit in my office recently hosted 7th- and 8th-grade students from Irwin Altman Middle School 172 for a conversation about peer pressure with an assistant district attorney from the Criminal Court Bureau. My office understands the importance of empowering kids to say no to peer pressure and we were glad for the opportunity to have this discussion. It's never too early to start talking to your kids about the importance of standing up for themselves and making their own decisions.