May 16, 2025

I announced criminal charges this week against nine individuals for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars in government relief funds intended to help small business owners suffering hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As alleged, the defendants individually applied for the New York State Empire Development Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program on behalf of newly created or defunct businesses. Five of the defendants are additionally accused of defrauding the federal Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

Each loan applicant certified that the funds were needed to cover business expenses such as payroll, commercial rent/mortgage payments, utilities and/or supplies. Most of the loan money received by the defendants was transferred into their personal bank accounts.

The nine defendants allegedly stole a total of approximately $2,250,308 in relief money.

My office will not allow individuals to defraud our public service programs. I thank our partners at the New York State Inspector General’s office and the NYPD for their work in this case.

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

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• A Maryland man was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison following an April jury conviction for murder. The defendant confronted his children’s grandfather in the older man’s Springfield Gardens home in April 2022 and shot him. He then fled to Panama before he was eventually extradited to Queens.
• A Queens man was indicted by a grand jury and charged with murder in the first degree for the death of 22-year-old Anderson David Archila Martinez, who was riding his bicycle and inadvertently bumped the defendant in Corona on April 14. 
• A Ridgewood man was charged with assault and other crimes for striking a 9-year-old girl with his hand as she played on a street. As the defendant was apprehended by an off-duty police sergeant, he bit the top off the officer’s right index finger.

Youth Empowerment

I recently had the pleasure of addressing a group of enthusiastic eighth graders to emphasize the importance of law enforcement and public service.

The event, hosted by the Youthful Savings Foundation and the Eagle Academy, was part of a financial literacy program funded through a grant by my office.

This initiative not only reinforces the importance of civic responsibility but also encourages young individuals to aspire toward leadership roles that contribute positively to their communities.

Information Wanted

If you have information regarding the death of Jordan Santos, who was shot and killed in Glendale 10 years ago, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

Veterans Advisory Community Council

The Office of Court Administration graciously hosted members of my Veterans Advisory Community Council for a recent tour of the Veterans Treatment Court.

Our office collaborates closely with the Veterans Court, ensuring that every eligible case is screened and referred to appropriate programs, reinforcing our dedication to the well-being of those who have served our country. 

By providing meaningful rehabilitation and intervention options instead of incarceration whenever possible, we honor the sacrifices made by our veterans and recognize their potential for recovery and reintegration into society.

Memorial Day Commemoration

Please join us for our annual Memorial Day Commemoration to pay tribute to the heroic men and women who have served and sacrificed for our freedoms.

The ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 22, at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Elmhurst Park.