June 30, 2023

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I will not allow our neighborhoods to be turned into dumping grounds. When Council Member Nantasha Williams reached out about going after illegal dumpers, we responded with a detailed investigation that featured hidden cameras. Our surveillance cameras recorded people dumping everything from bags of trash to a full-size washing machine on curbs near homes in southeast Queens. Some of our detectives actually witnessed the dumping in person.  WPIX11 picked up the story of the illegal dumping and how it has affected the community's residents. This is an on-going investigation with the Department of Sanitation. So far, 14 summonses have been issued, two vehicles impounded and $14,000 in potential fines levied against dumpers. We have seen great success with dumpers not returning once they are given a summons. My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe. In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

Selected Cases of Interest

Forest Hills attorney charged with possessing and promoting child sexual abuse materials Queens man sentenced to prison for possessing arsenal of illegal ghost guns Long Island mother and son sentenced in Far Rockaway Shooting death Man charged with approaching 12- and 14-year-old girls walking home from school for explicit photos, sex acts

Help Solve This Case

If you have information on the death of Andre Saunders, killed 14 years ago, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form. It is never too late for justice.

Taking Guns Off Our Streets

Every gun taken off the streets is a potential tragedy averted. My office co-hosted a gun buyback event at the Dabar Bethlehem Cathedral in Queens Village last weekend with the NYPD. We collected 38 handguns, shotguns and rifles. These were operable guns that could have seriously injured or killed someone. We will continue to do everything possible to rid our communities of illegal firearms. I want to thank our co-sponsors for their help in keeping Queens safe: the NYPD, State Senator Leroy Comrie, Assembly Member Clyde Vanel, Council Member Nantasha Williams, Bishop H. Curtis Douglas, the New York City Police Foundation, Food Bazaar and New Greater Bethel Ministries.

Senior Summer Social in Queens

I want to thank the Alpha Phi Alpha Older Adult Center for the invitation to speak at its summer social at Antun's. I enjoyed seeing everyone and visiting with friends.

Celebrating Juneteenth in Laurelton

It was good to see everyone at Sovereign Markets in Laurelton at the Long Island Rail Road station for Honoring Our Roots, an event hosted by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards to commemorate Juneteenth. The festivities included live music and games. Our newest federal holiday is about honoring the past and striving for an equitable future for all.

Housing and Worker Protection

When I took office, I created a specialized bureau exclusively dedicated to prosecuting housing fraud and sticking up for workers. If you've been scammed out of your property, believe your employer is taking advantage of you, or have been victimized in some other way related to housing or employment, reach out to us, at (718) 286-6673.