Dear Friends and Neighbors, |
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In a few short weeks, families across the borough will be sending their children back to school. As a mother of two young boys, I have full faith that the already established protocols across the City's school system will keep our children safe from the ongoing pandemic.
However, families and school administrators must also stay aware of the harmful effects of bullying (and cyberbullying) on our youth. Actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose are all considered forms of bullying. This repeated behavior is linked to many negative outcomes when it comes to our children's emotional and physical well-being.
New York State recently expanded its anti-bullying legislation by providing the Division of Human Rights the ability to investigate reports of bullying, harassment, or other forms of discrimination at public schools. If your child or someone you know is being bullied, there are things you can do to keep them and others safe. I encourage you to visit StopBullying.gov for a wide variety of resources on how to prevent and respond to this type of behavior.
Together, we will make sure that our children grow and thrive in a harassment-free and inclusive learning environment.
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In Friendship,
Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney
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Bronx man indicted by grand jury on hate crime charges for slashing man after hurling homophobic and racial slurs
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Queens housekeeper indicted on grand larceny charges for allegedly embezzling over $72,000 from elderly employer’s bank account
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Earlier this week, I announced that a Queens man has been charged in a 117-count criminal complaint with criminal possession of a weapon and other crimes. The defendant allegedly purchased a cache of high-capacity magazines, firearm components and ammunition at a gun show in Pennsylvania and drove to New York – where all are illegal to possess. Police also allegedly recovered a stockpile of illegal guns, high-capacity magazines, silencers, and ammunition in the defendant’s Richmond Hill home.
The scourge of illegal guns in our City has caused bloodshed and heartache. We will now seek to bring this defendant to justice for his alleged crimes.
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Youth Development and Crime Prevention |
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As a weekly reminder, the deadline for applications for proposals to implement the Queens DA's Youth Development and Crime Prevention project is September 24, 2021.
The work solicited in this request will provide youth activities and wrap around services as part of a more holistic approach to helping young people reduce criminal justice involvement and increase engagement in recreational, academic and career development activities. You may visit https://queensda.org/special-initiatives/ for additional information and application download.
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Members of our Community Engagement Bureau had a great time participating in a Mardi Gras-themed back to school event at Baisley Pond Park over the weekend. The event featured live entertainment, free food and giveaways while my staff distributed anti-bullying coloring books and informational literature to children and families. |
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Supporting Local Business Leaders |
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This week I had the pleasure of conducting the swearing in ceremony for the Flushing Chinese Business Association - a non-profit organization of local business leaders dedicated to serving the Flushing community. FCBA has long contributed to the economic vitality of this dynamic neighborhood and that vitality plays a key role in promoting a safe community.
I congratulate the new President and 28 new board members on their appointments and look forward to working together on issues of importance to those who live and work in Flushing, Queens.
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The Crime Victims Advocacy Program at this Office provides a wide range of support for all victims of crime – including counseling services, assistance navigating the court system, obtaining reimbursement for crime-related expenses, and referrals to social services providers.
Our dedicated Advocates (pictured) provide an environment that empowers crime victims to actively seek justice for themselves, their families, and their communities.
If you have been a victim of a crime and would like assistance navigating your case, or if you would like additional information on resources available, email CVAP@queensda.org or call 718.286.6812.
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Scammers and fraudsters are constantly reinventing new ways to line their pockets and victimize the innocent. Our Frauds Bureau combats this activity by investigating and prosecuting a wide variety of complex financial crimes affecting Queens residents and businesses.
The Bureau’s cases range from investigating organized criminal groups defrauding corporate businesses to trusted employees stealing from smaller family businesses to those exploiting the elderly for financial gain. Prosecutors in the Frauds Bureau are specially trained to aid residents of Queens who are victims of embezzlement, organized theft schemes, pattern commercial burglaries, confidence schemes, trademark counterfeiting, financial and investment scams, cybercrimes and environmental crimes.
If you've been a victim, call 718.286.6673 or email Frauds@queensda.org. We're here to help.
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