Dear Friends and Neighbors, |
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It is my duty as your District Attorney to emphasize that those who do business in Queens County, including contractors and development companies, are expected to comply with applicable City, State, and Federal regulations.
This includes paying their staff the proper wage, ensuring worker compensation coverage, providing proper workplace safety, and following the law in all aspects of their operation.
My office has made it a priority to ensure that workers are fairly treated and those who would victimize them are held accountable. Our dedicated Housing and Worker Protection Bureau investigates and prosecutes individual business owners, freelance contractors, as well as corporations for a variety of crimes related to homeownership, predatory lending, wage theft and workplace safety.
We also understand that the vast majority of businesses who treat their employees properly are also victims of wage theft and related crimes because they cannot compete with employers who do not have the same costs. Labor and housing-related malfeasance hurts everyone: employers, workers, and the public.
That is why I strongly urge every individual and business operating in Queens County to fully comply with City, State, and Federal legal obligations. Doing otherwise may result in my office holding you accountable.
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In Friendship,
Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney
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Grand jury indicts Queens resident in hit and run crash that killed good Samaritan who stopped to help man having car trouble
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Queens man charged with stealing $11,000 in text message scam to deceased man’s sister in Ireland
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Protecting Transit Workers |
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TWU Local 100, representing transportation workers, held a press conference this week in support of a penal code amendment that would elevate spitting, shoving, kicking and other forms of physical contact against transit workers from a violation to a Class A misdemeanor in New York State.
I joined union leaders, members, and employees to demonstrate the full support of the five NYC District Attorneys for this amendment. The proposal will make it easier for police to investigate and bring charges, and more importantly, it will hopefully serve as a deterrent.
This office deeply supports our transit workers, who have kept the city moving during a nation-wide pandemic. We thank them for their service and continue to advocate for their safety.
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Monday marks the somber nine year anniversary since the death of Maurice Johnson, found shot to death in Rochdale, Queens.
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.
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March marks Women's History Month and I am proud to have my team represent the first all-women leadership of the Office of the Queens County District Attorney, with Chief Executive ADA Jennifer Naiburg and Chief of Staff Camille Chin-Kee-Fatt.
Our mission is to empower, mentor, and lift the next generation of female leaders in this borough and beyond.
We also pay tribute to all those who came before us and paved the way. The portraits of some of these trailblazers in the legal profession line the hallway of the District Attorney's Executive Suite, and I am proud to walk among them. You may watch our special tribute by clicking on the video below.
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This week is National Consumer Protection Week, and our increased reliance on technology has, unfortunately, made us vulnerable to cyber scams and fraudulent online behavior.
I am urging everyone to beware of potential risks and learn how to safeguard yourselves and loved ones. The Federal Trade Commission also regularly issues important tips to help people and businesses avoid falling for common scams. You may visit their consumer information blog by clicking here.
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Scam Awareness and Fraud Protection |
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This office has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to scammers and fraudsters preying on consumers to line their own pockets. As part of our efforts to combat this type of behavior, I am hosting a special seminar on Scam Awareness and Fraud Protection.
On Wednesday, March 10th at 6pm, join our legal experts, tax advocates, and experts to learn how to avoid scams, take advantage of free resources, and report crimes to obtain justice. Translation services in Mandarin, Spanish, and Korean will be available.
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