June 20, 2025

I joined United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Joseph Nocella, Jr. and members of the FBI in announcing the indictment of eight alleged members and associates of the transnational 18th Street gang.

The defendants are variously charged with racketeering, assault, drug dealing, trafficking of fraudulent documents and extortion for allegedly trying to exert control over the busy commercial corridor along Roosevelt Avenue.

From brutalizing perceived rivals on the street to assaulting innocent victims and stealing their property, the defendants are accused of terrorizing Jackson Heights residents and exacerbating the problems we have worked hard to tackle in the area.

Every resident deserves to feel safe walking down the street without having to worry about gang violence.

My office will continue to combat violent criminal enterprises and assist partner investigations to dismantle gangs as they try to establish themselves in our neighborhoods.

We thank the US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, the FBI and the NYPD for their hard 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

• An Astoria dog owner was arraigned on animal cruelty charges for allegedly injuring his small female poodle by repeatedly throwing the pet down a set of stairs and then dragging the dog back up by the leash 12 times. The alleged violence was caught on surveillance footage inside the staircase of the defendant’s residential building.
• A straphanger was indicted on attempted murder, assault and other charges for attacking a fellow passenger and repeatedly stabbing him in the eye and neck with a pen on the Q9 bus in May.
• A Jamaica man was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to assault as hate crime earlier this month. After a Kew Gardens fender bender in October 2023, the defendant derided a 66-year-old victim as “turban man” and repeatedly punched him, knocking him to the ground. The victim died of a head injury the next day.
• A Queens man was arraigned on grand jury indictment charges of kidnapping and other crimes for allegedly grabbing an 11-year-old child, dragging her into the woods and sexually assaulting her on May 19 in Forest Park.

Gun Buyback

Gun buybacks serve as a critical tool for reducing gun violence and promoting public safety within our communities.

This past Saturday, working with the NYPD and clergy leaders in Jamaica, we received 74 surrendered guns – including five automatic weapons. To date, we have been able to remove 617 firearms from circulation through gun buybacks. As a result, these firearms will not be used to cause heartache and tragedy. 

I thank the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral for hosting us and the office of New York State Attorney General Letitia James for co-sponsoring this event.

Information Wanted

If you have information regarding Carlos Hernandez, who was found stabbed to death in Jamaica 31 years ago, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

106th Precinct Community Council

I was honored to swear in the new executive board of the 106th Precinct Community Council during their recent monthly meeting.

I also congratulated two "Cop of the Month" recipients: Police Officer Brandon Sukhnandan (third from left) and Police Officer James Murray (not pictured).

I thank the council for their efforts to promote justice, honor local heroes and support Queens residents.

From left to right: 106th Precinct Executive Officer Captain Nigel Fenton, Commanding Officer for Patrol Borough Queens South Assistant Chief Christopher McIntosh, Police Officer Brandon Sukhnandan, 106th Precinct Commanding Officer Captain Berkley Vantull, District Attorney Melinda Katz, 106th Precinct Community Council President Frank Dardani.

Mobile Office

Members of my Community Partnerships Division held another successful mobile office at the Queens Public Library in Jackson Heights.

Join us at our next event on June 25, from 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the Central Location on Merrick Boulevard.

Elder Abuse Awareness

June marks Elder Abuse Awareness Month, a crucial time to shine a light on the pressing issue of elder abuse and financial exploitation.

This month serves as a call to action for our community to recognize the signs of abuse and understand the vital resources available to those at risk.

If you think that you or a loved one has been a victim of a crime, reach out to my office. We're here to help.