Dear Friends and Neighbors, |
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This week, I appeared in Court to request the dismissal of nearly 700 cases where people were detained, arrested and charged with loitering for the purpose of engaging in prostitution and prostitution-related crimes.
Since taking office, I did not prosecute a single person charged with the vague loitering law that far too often targeted women, trans people and people of color based solely on their appearance. Last month, the State Legislature took important action by repealing Penal Law 240.37.
Dismissing cases related to this unfair and now repealed statute was the appropriate next step in our commitment to brave justice. The motion frees members of our community from the collateral consequences of their arrests and includes hundreds of outstanding warrants on pending cases under Penal Law 230.00 (prostitution) and related charges. Many of these individuals have had otherwise unblemished records stained by arrests from as long as 20 and 30 years ago.
I extend my deepest gratitude to Queens Criminal Court Chief Administrative Judge Joanne B. Watters, Queens Acting Supreme Court Justice Toko Serita, Chief Clerk of the NY City Criminal Court Justin Barry, and Queens Criminal Court Borough Chief Clerk Carey Wone for facilitating this application.
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In Friendship,
Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney
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Queens resident charged with murder in shooting death of 33-year-old man in Hollis
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Rehab center social worker charged with grand larceny for stealing nearly $150,000 from 90-year-old patient
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Queens soccer coach indicted for sexually assaulting student over five year period
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Celebrating Women's History |
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On March 25, join our special celebration in honor of Women's History Month.
We will have the distinct pleasure of hearing from our Keynote Speaker, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, who represents the US Virgin Islands’ at-large Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives.
The program will also include special performances by female artists and recognition of distinguished Queens female community leaders as the honorees.
Special thank you to the Queens County Women's Bar Association for co-sponsoring this event.
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Safeguard Your Returns During Tax Season |
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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced this week that the federal income tax filing and payment due date has been extended from April 15 to May 17, 2021.
Whenever you file, exercise care when hiring someone to prepare your tax returns. Unscrupulous action taken by a preparer can lead to serious liabilities.
The IRS has also begun to distribute millions of Economic Impact Payments, or stimulus checks, to eligible Americans. Beware of scammers trying to gain illegal access to these funds.
Remember: The IRS does NOT initiate contact with taxpayers or request personal information by phone, email, text, or social media. Visit the IRS website to learn more warning signs of a scam and how to know if it's really the IRS calling or knocking on your door.
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Today marks the somber five year anniversary since the death of Tivell Smalling, who was shot and killed in Ozone Park at just 26 years old.
As part of our weekly call for help, I am asking for any information regarding his death. Contact NYPD Crimestoppers with any information - no matter how insignificant the details may seem. All tips are confidential.
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Combatting Elder Abuse & Fraud |
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Queens Community Board 6 recently held a committee forum on Elder Abuse and Elder Fraud.
The Chief of our Elder Fraud Unit, ADA Christine Burke, spoke about the resources this office provides to help safeguard our seniors from financial fraud, exploitation, as well as physical and mental abuse. If you need help, or would like to find out more information, contact our Elder Fraud unit at 718-286-6578.
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Against Anti-Asian Crimes |
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My office recently co-sponsored a virtual seminar this week on Anti-Asian Hate Crime, which was hosted by the Coalition of Asian-American Independent Practice Association, in partnership with the NYC Commission on Human Rights and the NYPD.
This office is committed to combatting hate and bias-motived crimes in Queens County. We urge the public to stay vigilant about reporting such crimes in real time, as they are taking place or shortly after. The sooner the police can gather evidence, the stronger the case.
If you have been a victim of a hate crime, or would like to report evidence of a hate crime, contact our Hate Crimes Bureau: HateCrimes@queensda.org or 718-286-7010. We're here to help.
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