December 1, 2023

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

My office secured a significant prison term this week for a Long Island man sentenced to 25 years to life for the October 2020 murder of his pregnant girlfriend, 29-year-old Vanessa Pierre. The defendant, Goey Charles, abandoned her body on the side of the Horace Harding Expressway in Bayside. We asked for the maximum sentence because of the brutality of the crime and the defendant’s remorseless discarding of the lifeless body of the woman who was soon to be the mother of his child. The sentence does not bring Vanessa back, but it achieves justice in her memory. No one deserves the trauma of intimate partner violence and I am committed to providing the resources necessary to protect victims. The severity of domestic violence and abuse often escalates and my office is here for anyone in need of an order of protection, safety planning and counseling services. We work closely with the Queens Family Justice Center, Safe Horizon, Korean American Family Services Center and other nonprofit organizations to ensure that victims are heard, seen and helped, regardless of their immigration status.  I urge anyone who may be experiencing intimate partner violence to call our 24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline: 718-286-4410. The caller can choose to speak to an Assistant District Attorney or a service provider. Call before the situation escalates further. My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe. In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

Flushing pair charged with possession of more than $600,000 worth of drugs Queens man sentenced for shooting correction officer

Cold Case

If you have information regarding Noel Hidalgo, killed in Richmond Hill 10 years ago, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form. It is never too late for justice.

Senior Center Visit

The Young Israel of Queens Valley senior center invited my office to give a presentation on the prevalence of deed theft and how to avoid becoming a victim. To safeguard your home, do not sign documents you do not understand or have not had a chance to review. All property owners should also sign up for notifications with ACRIS -- the city's property registration system, which will alert them to changes in their records.  If your non-profit organization can benefit from a presentation on deed theft and/or fraud, reach out to my office by calling 718-286-6673, or email info@queensda.org.

Student Court Tour

My office hosted students from PS 12 in Woodside for a recent tour of the Queens Criminal Courthouse. The highlight of the tour for the students was the chance to observe live hearings. They also had the opportunity to meet with judges and assistant district attorneys, who shared their experiences and answered questions. We hope that this tour has inspired some of the students to pursue a career in law enforcement and look forward to welcoming more young people in the future.

QJCC Ribbon Cutting

I joined Queens Jewish Community Council (QJCC) President Michael Nussbaum, Executive Director Mayer Waxman, and a number of elected leaders for the grand opening of the QJCC office in Kew Gardens Hills. The QJCC has provided valuable advocacy and nonprofit services to local communities for more than 50 years. Congratulations to QJCC on their new office and I wish them continued success in serving the community!