Courtesy Office of Melinda Katz
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz reflected on a year of significant progress in public safety, announcing the results of her office’s work in combating crime, dismantling gangs, and increasing support for victims. Throughout 2024, Katz’s office focused on addressing critical issues affecting local neighborhoods, continuing to foster stronger partnerships with the community while pursuing justice for victims.
“When I first took the oath of this office five years ago, it was a time of unprecedented challenges throughout this borough, city and nation,” Katz said. “Since then, together with the more than 900 attorneys and staff in my office, we have investigated and prosecuted drivers of crime, taken lethal weapons and drugs off the streets, returned homes to their rightful owners, empowered domestic violence and sex trafficking survivors, all while strengthening our partnerships with the public we serve.”
Among the year’s most notable cases was the indictment of five individuals connected to a gun and drug trafficking operation in Far Rockaway, which followed a six-month investigation. This, along with the conviction of a defendant for the attempted murder of NYPD Detective Brett Boller, highlighted the office’s commitment to addressing violent crime in the borough.
The office also made significant strides in addressing the safety of law enforcement. In March 2024, a Woodside man was charged with the murder of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller, who was fatally shot during a confrontation in Far Rockaway. Katz’s office pursued first-degree murder charges, with the case drawing attention to the dangers faced by officers in the line of duty.
The DA’s office continued to tackle issues of housing instability, with several cases of illegal squatting in vacant homes across neighborhoods like Jamaica, St. Albans, Howard Beach, and Flushing. In one high-profile case, a squatter pled guilty and was sentenced to pay restitution for damages and legal fees, setting a precedent for future cases.
In another key area, the office secured a guilty plea from a reputed gang member involved in the 2019 killing of 14-year-old Aamir Griffin in South Jamaica. The killing, a case of mistaken identity, left the community reeling, and the conviction marked a victory for families affected by gang violence.
Efforts to protect vulnerable individuals included the indictment of a Corona man for sex trafficking, allegedly coercing a victim into forced prostitution over several years. The case was part of a broader push to target human trafficking and support survivors.
Additionally, in response to rising concerns about senior citizens being targeted by scammers, the DA’s office successfully brought charges against a man accused of stealing over $600,000 through fraudulent schemes involving impersonations of the Social Security Administration and other agencies.
A key focus of Katz’s tenure has been dismantling gang networks, and her office, in collaboration with the NYPD, made strides in this area. A three-and-a-half-year investigation culminated in the indictment of 11 alleged members of the “8 Trey Movin Crips,” a violent gang involved in shootings across Southeast Queens.
Katz’s office also made a significant impact in the ongoing battle against ghost guns, with Queens leading the city in seizures for the fourth consecutive year. In 2024 alone, authorities recovered over 160 untraceable firearms, a trend that highlights the rise of unregulated, homemade weapons.
Another major victory came when the Cold Case Unit, established by Katz early in her tenure, solved a 15-year-old murder case. Using forensic genetic genealogy, the unit helped identify and charge a Florida man for the 2009 killing of his uncle, Rosario Prestigiacomo, in a case that had long gone unsolved.
The office’s ongoing partnership with state and local law enforcement also led to the dismantling of a large-scale retail theft operation. Authorities seized over $2 million in stolen goods linked to a network operating across Queens and the Dominican Republic. This case marked the first time in New York that individuals were charged under a new law aimed at curbing the sale of stolen merchandise, a major step in addressing retail theft.
Motorized scooter safety also became a priority. In response to a growing public concern about illegal scooters on the streets, the DA’s office coordinated with the NYPD to remove over 1,000 illegal, unregistered scooters from high-traffic areas in the borough. This initiative addressed the danger posed by reckless scooter riding, particularly in busy commercial districts.
Finally, Katz’s office strengthened its community outreach, with the Community Partnerships Division participating in more than 700 events and providing services to nearly 3,000 individuals. These efforts have solidified relationships with residents and enhanced the public’s trust in the criminal justice system.
As the year ends and another one begins, Katz expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing that while much has been accomplished, her office will continue to work alongside law enforcement and community partners to ensure Queens remains a safe, thriving borough.
“As we look ahead, we are filled with enthusiasm for the future, eager to collaborate further with our partners and community members to create even more impactful initiatives for the people of Queens,” Katz said.
