July 23, 2021
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Yesterday, I announced charges against a Queens man who, as alleged, recklessly hit a four year old child while driving a motorized scooter at Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Sunday. The child sustained significant injuries and is currently in stable but serious condition.

Unfortunately, the City has seen an unacceptable increase in defiant drivers of all types of vehicles driving illegally and hurting other people. Too many motorists are driving recklessly or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These choices leave a debilitating impact on the victims and their loved ones.

It is time we stand together to prevent further harm. Since taking office in January 2020, I have redefined and tightened our guidelines on all vehicular crimes, working within the framework of the laws available. I also continue to advocate for policies that better reflect the real threat and harm these preventable crimes have on our families and communities.

Every time you get on the road, it is crucial to remember that every individual you encounter — other drivers, passengers, bicyclists, pedestrians — deserve to return home safely.
In Friendship,

Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney
In The Courts
  • Eight people indicted and charged with grand larceny for cashing in on stolen and/or forged checks and money orders
  • Queens man sentenced to 19 years in prison for stabbing death of half-brother in 2020
  • Bronx man charged with hate crime for assault after using homophobic and racial slurs
Affordable Quality Senior Housing
As elected officials we make a commitment to serve, assist and protect our most vulnerable communities. This includes our seniors. I was delighted to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Northeastern Towers Annex, a new building with 158 affordable apartments for low-income seniors in Southeast Queens.

I am proud to have played a role, as the former Borough President, in ensuring that the planners and developers of the Northeastern Towers Annex had the funding and resources necessary to see this project through to completion. The finished Annex is a great example of what can be accomplished when our local government, clergy members, and our community organizations work together.
Youth Development and Crime Prevention
The deadline for applications for proposals to implement the Queens DA's Youth Development and Crime Prevention project has been extended to September 24, 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.
Asking for Information
Last week marked nine years since the death of Shawn Plummer, shot and killed in Far Rockaway, Queens. Unfortunately, those responsible have yet to answer for this crime.

As part of our weekly call for help, we urge anyone with any information to contact NYPD Crimestoppers. All tips are confidential and can help bring long-awaited justice!
Discussion on Criminal Justice Reform
Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez, Bronx DA Darcel Clark (not pictured), Alvin Bragg and I joined Reverend Kirsten John Foy on HOT97's The Justice Clapback for a discussion on gun violence. We discussed our collective commitment to ensuring public safety while providing meaningful alternatives to incarceration, dispensing justice with compassion and providing wrap-around youth services to better address the recent uptick in violence across the City.
Eid Ul-Adha Celebration
The Jamaica Muslim Center hosted a morning Eid Ul-Adha prayer at Thomas Edison High School earlier this week. I had the opportunity to speak to the congregants and wish everyone celebrating a safe and peaceful holy holiday.
Health & Fitness Day in Far Rockaway
Seagirt Avenue & Friends Block Association, in partnership with the Beachside Bungalow Preservation Association of Far Rockaway, hosted the 1st Annual Health & Fitness Day for local residents, complete with contests, entertainment, obstacle courses and fitness challenges. Members from our Community Partnership Division distributed educational literature to the youngest community members on safety and bullying prevention tips.
St. Albans Jazz and R&B Festival
Our Community Engagement Bureau attended the 19th Annual St. Albans Jazz and R&B Festival at St. Albans Park this past weekend. It was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy performances by famed artists while providing the public with helpful information about this office.