October 23, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This week we announced that a 22-year-old Fresh Meadows man was indicted on two counts of criminal mischief as a hate crime for vandalizing property outside a kosher bagel shop in Fresh Meadows.

The defendant repeatedly targeted the business specifically because it is Jewish-owned and featured Israeli flags and destroyed property as an expression of antisemitism. According to the indictment, the defendant knocked over nine metal planters outside the shop on May 15. He threw dirt at the Israeli flags and the shop.

On May 23, the man allegedly returned to the restaurant at 1 a.m. and kicked 11 metal plant stands over causing the plants and soil to spill on the sidewalk.

The defendant faces up to seven years in prison, if convicted.

Bias crimes are an affront to our entire community and will not be tolerated.

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



In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Case of Interest

• Five reputed Trinitarios gang members, allegedly responsible for a two-day shooting spree in Corona that injured two teens, have been charged in a 25-count indictment. The defendants, between the ages of 14 and 29, were variously charged with attempted murder, conspiracy, weapon possession and other crimes. 

Information Wanted

Hope Blakely was stabbed to death on the corner of 132nd Street and 92nd Avenue in Richmond Hill nearly 37 years ago. If you have any information about this crime, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

Elder Fraud Prevention Workshop

Senior citizens are the backbone of our communities, but tragically they are often targeted by fraudsters.

I recently visited the Young Israel of Forest Hills Senior League with my office's Elder Fraud Unit to educate seniors about the latest scams.

Knowing the signs of a scam is a first step in protecting yourself. Be suspicious if a stranger asks you for cash or if a caller is pressuring you. If someone asks for payments in gift cards or requests personal information on the phone, you are being scammed. Please call my office at 718-286-6673 if you believe you have been the victim of a crime.

Walking to End Breast Cancer

Members of my office joined thousands of participants for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk of Queens this past weekend at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. When we walk, we raise awareness and we fight to end breast cancer.

Visits to Local Churches

It was a pleasure to visit recently with members of St. Albans Congregational Church and Calvary Baptist Church in Jamaica. I attended both churches to share news from the office on the work we're doing to keep residents safe.

Reaching out to our young people is one of my top priorities. My goal is to provide them with opportunities and services before they make a bad a decision that could impact the rest of their lives.

Gun Buyback Event Tomorrow

Help us make Queens safer for everyone. We are hosting a no-questions-asked Gun Buyback event at Majority Baptist Church in Jamaica tomorrow. For every working firearm surrendered, receive a bank card pre-loaded with up to $500.

Every firearm removed from the streets of Queens is a potential life saved.

Join Us at the Library

Meeting Queens residents where they live and gather, the DA’s Mobile Office provides local residents an opportunity to get the answers they need.

Members of the DA's office meet with the public at neighborhood libraries, answer questions and provide information on available resources. The next stop is November 12 at the Maspeth branch on Grand Avenue.

Join Us in Observance of Our Veterans

You're invited to join District Attorney Katz on November 5 for our annual Veterans Day Observance Ceremony as we pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our nation.