October 3, 2025

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

A Queens man was indicted on charges of animal cruelty, arson, criminal mischief and other crimes for allegedly killing a male pit bull before burning the body on a public street in South Ozone Park in July.

As alleged, the defendant was supposed to be caring for a relative's service animal, named Square K. Instead, he is accused of subjecting this animal to unfathomable cruelty as he killed the pit bull and then set it on fire.

We have no tolerance for animal abuse in Queens County.

My office will aggressively prosecute those who beat and torture defenseless animals.

It is well past time that New York strengthens its animal cruelty laws to allow for the appropriate penalties for such abuse.

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

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• Three defendants were indicted on sex trafficking charges for forcing a Colombian woman to engage in sex for money inside an alleged brothel on Union Street in Flushing. The woman was told she had to work off a $14,000 fee in order to bring her 10-year-old daughter into the U.S. from Colombia.
• A driver was indicted for the death of Isabel Alvarez, who was the flag person in a construction zone on the Nassau Expressway when she was struck and killed on September 19.
• A 16-year-old was charged with murder in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon for the shooting death of a 13-year-old boy on his way to school in South Jamaica on September 22.

Welcome to the Fall 2025 Class

I am proud to announce the appointment of 45 new Assistant District Attorneys to the Queens District Attorney’s office.

This diverse group of talented individuals represent 22 different law schools from across the country. I look forward to working with them in support of this office’s mission to keep those who live and work in Queens County safe while helping to ensure the criminal justice system is fairer for all.

Information Wanted

If you have information regarding the death of Romeo Einstein Acuna, found stabbed to death inside his home in Jackson Heights 23 years ago, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

Brandeis Association's October 7 Commemoration Event

The Brandeis Association, a Queens County Bar Association of Jewish legal professionals, recently hosted a special event in commemoration of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel.

I was privileged to attend and speak about the impact of rising antisemitism in our country, and the ways in which my office is fighting back against this trend.

As the two-year anniversary of the attacks approaches, my office remains actively engaged with our law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of Queens residents.

Photos courtesy of the Brandeis Association. Second photo from left to right: Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, the Honorable Judge Gia Morris, Queens Chief Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Naiburg.

QPL Baisley Park Groundbreaking

I joined the Queens Public Library, the New York City Department of Design and Construction, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, library staff and local leaders as we broke ground on a $17.6 million project that will renovate and expand the Baisley Park Library on Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica.

Our libraries play a vital role in promoting public safety and youth development by providing safe spaces, access to educational resources and community programs that build stronger communities.

I was proud to have allocated $3.5 million to this project during my tenure as Borough President.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

As a reminder, join us on Wednesday, October 8, for our annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month!

Advance registration is required for entry.

Please click here to RSVP.