March 18, 2022
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This week, President Biden signed into law the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, bipartisan legislation passed by Congress. The federal law, which lapsed at the end of 2018, provides additional resources to hold perpetrators accountable while expanding access to safety and support for all survivors as well as increasing prevention efforts nation wide.

My office is committed to helping survivors break the silence surrounding rape and sexual assault allegations, which remain some of the most under-reported crimes. 

Our Special Victims Bureau is staffed by prosecutors who have received extensive training on trauma-informed interviewing techniques. The Bureau works closely with specialized sexual assault examiners at local area hospitals to ensure that services are provided in a compassionate and effective manner. We obtain justice for the survivors of these crimes while providing a path to healing. 

The Special Victims Bureau houses the Queens Child Advocacy Center, which addresses the needs of abused children in this County. The multi-disciplinary Center is staffed by legal experts from my office, in addition to professionals from the Cohen Children's Hospital, NYPD, ACS, and Safe Horizon, working together to streamline the investigative process and enhance delivery of services to victims and families affected by child abuse.

If you need help, don't hesitate to reach out. Contact SpecialVictims@queensda.org or call 718.286.6505. We're here to help. 
In Friendship,

Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney
In The Courts
  • Queens man charged with grand larceny and other crimes for allegedly running a Union membership scam
  • Queens woman charged with murder in death of immigration lawyer stabbed in his Flushing office
  • Two Queens men indicted for sex trafficking teenage girls
Women's History Celebration
Next Thursday, March 24th, join our in-person Women's History Month celebration at Queens College!

We will hear from keynote speaker, Attorney General Letitia James, and moderator, investigative reporter Mary Murphy of Pix11 News. We will also honor local women leaders for their outstanding contributions to Queens County.

Registration is required. To RSVP click here.
Queens Village Civic Association
Although human trafficking is a very serious issue on a global scale, it is also happening right here in Queens County. Our Human Trafficking Bureau Chief Jessica Melton recently spoke to the Queens Village Civic Association about the work of this Office to prosecute traffickers and provide victims with meaningful services.

I thank the Queens Village Civic Association President Mo Ishmael for having us address his members on this important topic.
Cold Case Information Wanted
As part of our weekly call for help, we are asking for any information regarding the death of Tivell Smalling, who was found killed in South Ozone Park, Queens six years ago. Those responsible have yet to answer for this crime.

If you have any information regarding this case, don't hesitate to contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-8477 or filling out an online form. All tips are confidential.
Read Across America Day 
In honor of Read Across America Day, our Youth Empowerment Bureau partnered with the NYPD Youth Strategies Division and the 111th Police Precinct to host a Read Aloud Program for the entire student population of PS 221 in Little Neck.

The students enjoyed law enforcement officials reading books about policing in the community as well as a visit from McGruff the Crime Dog.
Inauguration of Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers
It was a pleasure to attend the Inauguration of Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers in the Rockaways last weekend.

Selvena has always been a driven community leader. Long before taking office, she was on the front lines in the community fighting for the best interests of the people who live and work in this district. She will continue to bring growth and prosperity to the 31st Council District.

I congratulate the Councilwoman on this momentous occasion!
Support for Families of Ukraine
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine continues to weigh heavy on all of us.

If you are searching for ways to help those affected, the office of the Queens Borough President has partnered with the NYPD to collect first-aid kits, bandages, gauze, tourniquets, Aspirin, Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen, which will be given to families in Ukraine.

Donations can be dropped off in a box in the lobby of Borough Hall, located at 120-55 Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens.