July 9, 2021

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Our recent takedown in Far Rockaway resulted in the seizure of dangerous weapons and illicit drugs. Included among them was fentanyl - a powerful opioid that increases the risk of overdose and has driven record numbers of overdose deaths in New York City. In Queens County, there were nearly five times as many deaths due to drug overdoses as there were homicides in 2020. An overwhelming majority of the fatal overdoses were attributed to fentanyl. It is a dangerous, lethal drug – and often people don’t even know they are taking it because it is mixed with heroin or cocaine or sold as pills. When I first took office, I created the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau (VCE) to more effectively suppress violent crime and narcotics distribution operations in Queens County. This Bureau uses every resource available to ensure criminal networks, gang activity, and other organized operations run by drivers of crime are dismantled and that the drugs (and weapons) they peddle are taken off our streets. As a community, we can also help prevent overdose deaths by learning the signs of an overdose, obtaining naloxone, offering to check on those at-risk, and reaching out for substance abuse assistance. For more information, I encourage you to visit the NYC Health website.

In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

In The Courts

Suspended lawyer charged with bilking home buyers out of more than $1 million in down payments Queens man pleads guilty to manslaughter in stabbing death of half-brother in 2020 Queens resident sentenced to prison for brutal assault of Queens mother in Kew Gardens Hills

Asking for Information

This week marked 51 years since teenager Denise Sheehy was last seen leaving her home in Woodside, disappearing without a trace. Her family and loved ones still search for answers. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has provided Denise's photo progressed to age 58: https://www.missingkids.org/poster/NCMC/924905/1/screen Take a moment to review the details and contact NYPD Crimestoppers with any information. All tips are confidential and can help bring long-awaited justice!

Youth Development and Crime Prevention

As a weekly reminder, the deadline for applications for proposals to implement the Queens DA's Youth Development and Crime Prevention project is August 2, 2021. The work solicited in this request will provide youth activities and wrap around services as part of a more holistic approach to helping young people reduce criminal justice involvement and increase engagement in recreational, academic and career development activities. I urge all those who are interested to visit https://queensda.org/special-initiatives/ for additional information and application download.

Frauds Alert

Our recently established Frauds Bureau provides assistance to Queens residents and businesses who are victims of a wide variety of complex financial crimes. Within the Frauds Bureau, there are three specialized units – Computer Crimes, Crimes Against Revenue, and Elder Fraud. Each unit has prosecutors and experts dedicated to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting complex scams. If you believe you've been a victim of a fraud-related crime, contact us via frauds@queensda.org or 718.286.6673. We're here to help.

Salute To Our Heroes

Earlier this week, I joined the entire City in expressing gratitude to our front line workers, who risked everything to help others and keep NYC running through unprecedented challenges. I also acknowledge and honor all the Queens DA Office staff, who made sure that this Office continued to conduct the People’s work seamlessly from the start of the pandemic through today. You all have been and continue to be my Hometown Heroes!

Photo credit: ABC7 Eyewitness News