May 2, 2025

My office secured a grand jury indictment against a fake plastic surgeon on charges of manslaughter, assault and unauthorized practice of a profession for allegedly performing cosmetic surgery without a license in his Astoria home.

The victim, a 31-year-old mother of two, went into cardiac arrest after being injected with lidocaine, a local anesthetic, as part of a botched surgical procedure. She unfortunately passed away two weeks later.

My thoughts are with the victim’s family as we seek justice on her behalf.

I urge anyone who may have utilized the defendant’s services or visited the makeshift medical office on 35th Street in Astoria to contact NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Anyone seeking medical or cosmetic treatments is urged to first check the credentials of the provider with the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions. 

My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe.

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• Two men were charged with attempted murder, attempted robbery and other related crimes for trying to carjack a BMW from an off-duty police officer and shooting at the vehicle, striking the officer in the leg.
• An alleged vandal was indicted on criminal charges, including hate crimes, for destroying a religious statue at Immaculate Conception Church in Astoria on April 6.
• A Long Island man was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping, robbery and promoting prostitution for three separate incidents.
• An NYC police officer was charged with attempted dissemination of indecent material to minors, official misconduct and other crimes for allegedly sending sexually explicit content via an online app to an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old. 

Denim Day

The annual Denim Day campaign, commemorated during National Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, is a powerful reminder of the harmful misconceptions and attitudes surrounding sexual assault.

My office wore denim this week as we stood in solidarity with survivors and advocates who continue to strive toward a world free from harassment and violence.

Information Wanted

If you have information regarding the death of Leslie Balogh, who was shot and killed in Flushing 12 years ago, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

ASPCA Grooming and Vaccination Event

Members of my Animal Cruelty Prosecution Unit partnered with the ASPCA to host a free pet grooming and vaccination event in Maspeth.

A total of 55 pets were serviced, while my office provided free pet supplies and important information on how to keep our voiceless companions safe from abuse and neglect.

Queens Chamber of Commerce

The Queens Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in promoting economic growth and a healthy business environment in the borough.

It was a pleasure to swear in their new officers recently as we continue to work together to ensure a safe and prosperous economic future in Queens.

Street Renaming in Honor of April Simpson-Taylor

I was honored to participate in a street co-naming ceremony honoring the life of a long-time community advocate, April Simpson-Taylor.

As President of the Tenant’s Association for Queensbridge Houses, April tirelessly championed the needs of her neighbors, navigating city agencies with expertise to secure infrastructure improvements and advance the quality of life of Queensbridge residents.

I thank Council Member Julie Won and the Simpson-Taylor family for hosting this tribute.

AAPI Heritage Month Celebration

Save the date for our annual celebration in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month!

The festivities will take place at Queens College on Tuesday, May 13.

Please see the below flyer for additional information and click here to register.