June 21, 2024

We charged a man this week with first-degree rape, two counts of kidnapping, predatory sexual assault and other crimes for attacking two 13-year-olds in Kissena Park in the middle of the afternoon on June 13.

The defendant is alleged to have held them at knifepoint in a wooded area where he tied the hands of the boy and girl together, gagged them and then raped the girl. 

This attack on two children in broad daylight strikes the very core of our society.

I want to thank the brave victims for coming forward, the NYPD for their relentless investigation and quick action in apprehending the defendant, as well as members of the public who made phone calls and shared tips that were crucial to finding the suspect.

The defendant was remanded and now faces justice in our courts with a potential maximum sentence of 25 years to life if convicted.

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

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

• Four people have been charged with attempted gang assault and other crimes for assaulting two police officers who were checking on the welfare of unattended children outside of an LIC hotel at a pre-dawn hour. 
• A Queens man was sentenced to four to 12 years in prison for a July 2023 drunken collision that killed a NYC DEP worker.

If you have information regarding the death of Rose Gilbert and John Dalton, who were killed in Sunnyside 19 years ago, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

Meeting with Community Board 9

Community Boards play a vital role in our neighborhoods, staying closely connected to the pulse of the borough.

It was a pleasure to attend the monthly meeting of Community Board 9 at Borough Hall recently to discuss my office's initiatives to combat illegal scooters, close down unlicensed cannabis dispensaries, and invest in the growth and readiness of our youth for the workforce.

Scams and Fraud Awareness

I recently hosted two Scams and Fraud Awareness presentations at Hilltop Village Coop in Jamaica and the Kew Gardens senior center on Queens Boulevard.

Members of my Frauds Bureau spoke about the importance of identifying scams and provided valuable insights on how to avoid becoming a victim.

Remember: never give money to anyone you do not know and always verify the information provided. If you need help, contact my office at 718-286-6673 or Frauds@queensda.org.

Library Resource Fair

My Community Partnerships Division recently participated in a resource fair at the Queens Public Library in Flushing, sharing information about services available for victims of crime and our ongoing efforts to keep our neighborhoods safe.

Events like this are crucial for building trust and fostering relationships between our office and the communities we serve. We look forward to participating in similar events in the future.