May 12, 2023

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Unlicensed cannabis dispensaries have been the focus of numerous community complaints, including for selling hallucinogens and edible marijuana that have sickened young people and are marketed to children. I recently announced the takedown of three illegal cannabis operations - two in Astoria and one in Ozone Park - resulting in the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of two mobile dispensaries. Unlicensed sellers also undercut the state's legal vendors before they are even fully established, denying badly needed tax revenues for essential public services. More so, the recovered items from this takedown included edible cannabis gummies and candy bars in packaging resembling common consumer products with names such as “Nerdz,” “Sno Capz,” “Wonka Bars,” and “Trolli.” We cannot allow these illegal operations to appeal to children and otherwise sell unregulated product in our communities. The trucks have been impounded and the product can no longer be distributed. I'd like to congratulate my team for their outstanding work and thank our partners at the New York City Sheriff’s office, NYPD and DEA for their unwavering commitment to protect and serve. My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe. In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

Selected Cases of Interest

Two adolescents charged with hate crimes in Flushing Meadows Corona Park attack of Jewish man Queens man sentenced to prison in stabbing death of acquaintance

Help Solve This Case

If you have information about unidentified female remains that were found in St. Albans, 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

My office will not let up in our efforts to get deadly weapons off the streets of Queens. I brought charges this week against a defendant after a search warrant executed at his apartment uncovered a cache of firearms, including assault rifles, ghost guns and ammunition. Thanks to my Crime Strategies and Intelligence Unit, as well as our law enforcement partners, these weapons will not be used to cause harm.

Protecting Small Businesses

I stood alongside the 114th Police Precinct, NYPD Patrol Borough Queens North, local merchants and community leaders to announce the expansion of the Merchants Business Improvement Program to Astoria. The program focuses on the small number of individuals responsible for the vast majority of shoplifting and vandalism in our neighborhoods. Communities thrive when local businesses thrive. That is why I am committed to providing resources for our local merchants to combat crime and provide a positive experience for their customers.

Celebrating Our AAPI Communities

I was honored to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a special ceremony at St. John's University. During the festivities, I recognized the following organizations and individuals for their outstanding public service: Flushing Business Improvement District Korean Community Services QDA Deputy Bureau Chief of Felony Trials Bureau II Rosemary Chao QDA Unit Supervisor of Diversion and Alternative Sentencing Harleen Kaur Queens is home to people from 120 countries who speak more than 135 languages. Our vast array of traditions, perspectives, and backgrounds is what makes us unique and keeps us dynamic. As we recognize our AAPI leaders and honorees, my office will continue the pursuit of ensuring fair justice for all who live and work here.

Paying Tribute to Maestro David Close

The Oratorio Society of Queens is the oldest performing arts institution in our borough. Maestro David Close (pictured on the left) began his tenure as the choir’s conductor in the spring of 1970, taking the reins from my father, who served as conductor in 1968 and 1969. It was a special privilege to join President Lawrence M. Lutzak (pictured on the right) to wish the maestro all the best in his retirement from the chorus.

Keeping Vehicles Safe

My office is partnering with the NYPD to combat catalytic converter theft. Come out to Cunningham Park on Friday, May 19, from noon until 4 p.m., to have a unique serial number etched onto your car’s catalytic converter.