October 10, 2025

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Two defendants were indicted recently for grand larceny, identity theft and other charges for allegedly stealing approximately $835,000 in unemployment insurance funds meant to protect workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the defendants was also separately charged in a criminal complaint with grand larceny in the first degree and other crimes for allegedly stealing more than $1.2 million dollars from multiple private brokerage accounts belonging to a Pennsylvania man.

The exhaustive financial investigation, initiated by my office in 2022, included extensive analysis of hundreds of financial documents and examination of state workforce agency records from 11 states throughout the country.

We are committed to holding fraudsters accountable and protecting the safety nets that support our communities in times of need.

I thank my prosecutors as well as our law enforcement partners in the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, New York State Department of Labor and NYPD Financial Crime Task Force for their work on this long-term investigation.

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

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• A Flushing man was arraigned on first-degree murder, attempted murder, arson and related charges for allegedly killing his mother-in-law and stabbing his teenage brother-in-law in a violent attack at their family home.
• A South Ozone Park man was sentenced to 18 years in prison for a February 2023 auto theft and collision that severely injured and eventually killed the car's owner.
• A defendant was indicted for murder, attempted murder, assault, driving under the influence and other crimes for intentionally aiming his vehicle at a 16-year-old girl and her family on Roosevelt Avenue and killing the teen. The defendant sexually propositioned the girl and her mother just minutes before the collision.

Clothing Drive in Support of Domestic Violence Survivors

In observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, my office was proud to host a clothing drive in support of individuals and families affected by intimate partner violence.

This yearly initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens by providing access to professional and interview-appropriate attire — resources that can play a meaningful role as survivors work toward rebuilding their lives. All items collected were donated to the Queens Family Justice Center of the Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence.

Information Wanted

If you have information regarding the death of Dashawn Taylor, found shot to death in Jamaica seven years ago, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

Missing Persons Day

We are proud to host our first Missing Persons Day, a compassionate initiative dedicated to supporting families with loved ones missing for 60 days or more.

This free event, in partnership with Congresswoman Grace Meng and the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, will provide one-on-one support to help families navigate the challenges of a missing persons case. Attendees can receive assistance with filing reports, updating records, submitting DNA samples and connecting with victim advocates.

Appointments are encouraged. To schedule, call 212-323-1201.

Community Board 13 Monthly Meeting

It was a pleasure joining members of Community Board 13 in Bellerose for a meaningful discussion about the work our office is doing to keep Queens safe while making critical changes to the criminal justice system.

I am always grateful for the opportunity to engage directly with the community, share updates and hear valuable feedback on how we can continue to build a safer, more just future for all.

Latin Resource Festival

Members of my Community Partnerships Division were glad to participate in the Latin Resource Festival in Far Rockaway, hosted by State Senator James Sanders Jr. and Assemblymember Khaleel M. Anderson.

It was a great day of celebration, connection and community engagement, where we were able to share valuable resources and connect with local residents.