September 2, 2022

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

International Overdose Awareness Day, which took place this past Wednesday, is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. My Office commemorated this event by providing free naloxone education and training to local communities throughout the Borough. Participants were provided a free Narcan kit to help combat the deadly surge in opioid-related overdoses. Addressing this epidemic remains one of the greatest public health challenges facing our current and future generations. I am committed to tackling this challenge head-on to ensure safety, fairness and most importantly – recovery – for those held hostage by their addictions. My Office is also focused on fostering positive relationships in the community and empowering Assistant District Attorneys to provide avenues of support through specialized treatment courts. Rest assured that we are utilizing every tool at our disposal to safeguard the health and safety of families across Queens County. For City-provided resources on overdose awareness, please click here.

In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

Select Cases of Interest

Queens man pleads guilty to assaulting police officer who was struck in eye with crowbar Woman charged with murder in sidewalk hit and run in Far Rockaway Two defendants indicted on sex trafficking and other charges for forcing woman into prostitution

Labor Day

This Labor Day weekend, we honor all the hard working New Yorkers for their dedication and commitment. Thank you for keeping us moving through tremendous challenges! My Office works tirelessly to ensure that our labor force is protected from unlawful actions. The Housing and Worker Protection Bureau I created is staffed with a specialized team of investigators and prosecutors to help obtain justice on behalf of victims of fraud, wage theft and unsafe workplace conditions. Contact HousingWorkerProtection@queensda.org or 718.286.6673. We're here to help.

Information Wanted

As part of our regular call for help, we are asking for any information regarding a homicide that occurred on February 7, 2022 within the confines of the 113th Police Precinct. Help us bring justice on behalf of the victim and his loved ones. If you have any details to report, I urge you to contact NYPD Crimestoppers. All tips are confidential and can be submitted anonymously!

Laurelton Community Day

Bringing people and families together makes our neighborhoods stronger and sends the message that violence and hate will never be tolerated. I'd like to thank Assemblywoman Alicia L. Hyndman for organizing a successful first Annual Community Day in Laurelton last weekend, in partnership with Evangel Temple Inc. We look forward to next year!

Queens Public Library Resource Fair

The Queens Public Library in Flushing hosted a resource fair for local residents and patrons in an effort to close the achievement gap in communities with high concentration of families with limited English language proficiency. Members of my staff, including Assistant District Attorneys, were on-site to provide information about the office in several languages. More than 30 languages are spoken by the our staff - including English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian and Vietnamese. If you need help, don't hesitate to reach out.

Tommie Agee School

Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry, together with the Agee family and the New York Mets, hosted a celebratory gathering to rename a new school, IS 419Q, as the Tommie Agee School in honor of the New York Mets legend. The school is located on a site where Agee’s business, the Outfielders Lounge, formerly stood. I was proud to join his long-time teammate and friend, the great Cleon Jones, in paying tribute. Tommie Agee was a hero in Queens and will always be remembered here.

Gun Buyback Program

On Saturday, September 24th, join us at the Calvary Assembly of God Church for our gun buyback event. If you surrender an operable firearm, you will receive a $200 bank card and an iPad (while supplies last). If you turn in two or more operable firearms, you will receive an additional $250 Food Bazaar Gift Card. No questions asked!