Dear Friends and Neighbors, |
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Earlier this week, I stood in solidarity with Borough President Donovan Richards, Queens elected officials, community leaders and residents to denounce anti-Asian, anti-Semitic crimes and any crimes against anyone in our borough based on race, religion, who they love or any other protected class.
During the first six months of my administration, I created the Hate Crimes Bureau, one of the first in the nation committed exclusively to preventing, investigating and prosecuting hate crimes. This Bureau, under the leadership of Chief Michael Brovner, is available to you and anyone who believes they have been a victim of a hate crime.
You can call and speak to someone who understands these crimes and who can assist you in navigating the criminal justice system.
If you would like to report a hate crime, or have evidence of a hate crime, call our office at 718-286-7010. We're here to help.
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In Friendship,
Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney
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Long Island City man arraigned on assault charges for allegedly attacking two New York City Firefighters responding to an emergency call.
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Queens home health aide charged with stealing nearly $100,000 from legally blind 89-year-old woman.
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The City Council held a committee meeting this week on a proposed bill to create a crash investigation and analysis unit within the Department of Transportation (DOT), which would effectively place DOT in charge of investigating serious auto accidents instead of the NYPD.
The five NYC District Attorneys, including myself, sent a letter to the committee opposing this bill because of concerns that the bill would have the unintended consequence of hindering our ability to hold dangerous drivers accountable.
I also had the opportunity to testify during the hearing, alongside Staten Island DA McMahon, to further discuss the bill's potential adverse impact on vehicular crime investigations.
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NYPD Crimestoppers have released surveillance video in the case of NeShawn Plummer, who was shot and killed in Far Rockaway six years ago. The tragedy unfolded mere blocks away from where his older brother was gunned down three years earlier.
Our Cold Case Unit continues to work with the NYPD in an effort to bring justice in this case and we are urging the public to watch the footage and come forward with any information.
You may view the video, published by the New York Post, by clicking here.
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Visiting Local Houses of Worship |
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It was a pleasure to attend Sunday Service at several houses of worship in the borough this past weekend, including the New Jerusalem Worship Center, Antioch Baptist Church of Corona, Bellerose Assembly of God, and St Mark AME Church.
I was able to reflect on this office's accomplishments during the first year of my administration and provide helpful information to those who may require legal assistance or services. It is my hope and prayer that everyone stays in good health and that we are able to meet safely in person again soon.
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Celebrating Black History Month |
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Our virtual Black History Month celebration was all the more poignant this year, and served as a reminder that we must continue our work to guarantee justice for every Queens County resident.
We had the distinct pleasure of hearing from Keynote Speaker, Cheryl Wills of NY1, who spoke about tracking down her remarkable family lineage and the importance of researching, learning, and teaching Black History. The event was made special by Ruschell Boone, an award-winning breaking news reporter, arts and entertainment correspondent, and anchor at NY1, who moderated the virtual festivities. If you missed the celebration, you may watch it in full on our Facebook page by clicking here.
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Following an in-house coat drive, our Community Partnerships Division donated hundreds of coats to Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities, Inc., a Queens non-profit, multi-service organization of professionals providing a variety of comprehensive programs that serve all populations from preschool aged children to senior citizens.
We are glad to support them in their mission to foster positive life changes for individuals and families through skills development.
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Rally To End Violence Against Women |
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The Community Partnerships Division was on-site during a rally organized by the United Madrassi Association Inc. and the Brothers Reach Out Support Group. The rally brought together several local organizations for a candlelight vigil in support of ending violence against women.
My office is proud to partner with these organizations to denounce violence experienced by women and to provide support, empowerment, and legal resources in an effort to help combat crimes committed against women in the borough of Queens.
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