September 13, 2024

My office secured an indictment against eight individuals accused of stealing thousands of dollars in death benefits that had been intended for the beneficiaries of United Service Workers Union Local 74 workers.

The alleged leader worked at the union for 12 years and is accused of submitting bogus forms to a life insurance company with the names of her co-defendants as the intended benefit recipients as early as December 2017 in order to pocket the money.

Hard working union members trusted that their life insurance policy would be paid out to their grieving loved ones upon their death. Instead, the defendants allegedly engineered this scheme and routed money not to the union members’ intended recipients, but to line their own pockets.

This indictment not only seeks to hold these individuals accountable but also serves as reminder of our commitment to protecting hardworking union members and their loved ones.

I thank the victims for courageously coming forward and helping my office in our pursuit of justice.

We will continue to ensure that our communities are informed and empowered to combat fraud and crime.

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

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• A South Ozone Park man has been sentenced to one to three years in prison and must pay $335,256 in restitution for a deed fraud scheme he orchestrated to steal homes in Southeast Queens. Five properties will now go back to their rightful owners following a hearing this week to void the fraudulent deeds that were subject to criminal prosecution upon the defendant's guilty plea in May.
• A Jamaica man was indicted on a murder charge in the cold-case homicide of 35-year-old Frank Synder, a rapper and party promoter known as “Hollywood Play.” Synder was fatally struck outside the Tavern Lounge in Woodhaven in 2018.
• A defendant was sentenced to seven to 21 years in prison for a drunk driving crash that killed two neighbors from South Ozone Park in June 2023.

If you have information regarding the death of family members Charisse Nelson Davenport (pictured below), James Armstead, Robert Armstead and Hattie Morris, who were fatally stabbed in Jamaica 21 years ago, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

Commemorating 9/11

This week, I joined several community organizations in commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on our city.

Year after year, we will continue to steadfastly honor the lives of those we lost, the unwavering courage of survivors, and the selfless heroism of first responders.

The fight against 9/11-related illnesses rages on, reminding us of the ongoing struggles faced by our heroes and their families. We will not waver from paying tribute and lending support to everyone affected by these enduring challenges.

At the same time, let us never forget the collective resilience of our city and nation in the face of darkness.

103 Precinct Community Council

The 103^rd Precinct Community Council hosted a monthly meeting recently to address community concerns ranging from quality-of-life issues to major crime.

I was pleased to attend as a guest speaker, highlighting the ongoing efforts of my office to prosecute violent crime, protect our local business community from theft and harassment, shut down illegal cannabis dispensaries, prosecute instances of deed theft, and address the issue of illegal, unregistered scooters that disrupt neighborhood safety. 

I thank the Council for their partnership and encourage community members to stay involved as we work together to foster a safer environment for everyone.

Services and Resources for Veterans

We are deeply committed to supporting our veterans and properly recognizing their invaluable contributions to our country.

In partnership with Senator Joe Addabbo and Council Member Robert Holden, we are hosting a seminar on Veterans Initiatives and Services at the Queens Vet Center in Ridgewood.

This is a unique opportunity to explore essential programs and benefits designed to enhance your quality of life. Join us on September 18 at 6:00 p.m.

Cash for Guns

As a reminder, we are hosting a gun buyback program on Saturday, September 21, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica.

You can turn in an operable firearm for cash, no questions asked. Turn in two or more operable guns for an additional gift card to the Food Bazaar.