March 29, 2024

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, a young officer and father, was ruthlessly gunned down this week in the line of duty while protecting and serving the city of New York. My office stands in solidarity with the brave men and women of the NYPD and we will continue working around the clock to seek justice on behalf of Officer Diller’s loved ones and in honor of his selflessness and courage. To that end, we filed criminal charges against the alleged shooter, Guy Rivera, for first-degree murder in the shooting death of Officer Diller and first-degree attempted murder for trying to fire at an NYPD sergeant also at the scene in Far Rockaway on Monday. The defendant faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted. We have also filed weapons charges against the driver after a warrant executed on his car found an illegal firearm. The defendant was behind the wheel of the car from which the shot that killed Officer Diller was fired. We will not rest until we have achieved justice for Officer Diller, his family and his brothers and sisters in the NYPD who put their lives on the line to protect us. My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe. In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

A Ridgewood man and corporations linked to him were charged with trademark counterfeiting and money laundering. Defendant is accused of providing counterfeit custom auto accessories to buyers on eBay, deceiving consumers and undermining legit businesses. A Queens man was arraigned on an indictment accusing him of recruiting a 17-year-old girl to have sex with strangers for his own profit. Two Virginia men were arraigned on an indictment charging them with murder in the fatal shooting of 48-year-old Yaw Pabi in South Jamaica in April 2022. Both defendants fled to the state following the shooting and were extradited last week to face charges.

Cold Case

If you have information regarding an unidentified boy, found wrapped in a distinct blanket in Rockaway 19 years ago, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form. It is never too late for justice.

Crackdown on Illegal Scooters

We recently partnered with the 103rd Police Precinct and the NYPD Chief of Patrol to confiscate 25 scooters from the streets and sidewalks in Jamaica. All were unregistered, uninsured, and parked illegally.  More than 300 scooters have been removed over the past two months as part of our efforts to ensure compliance and safeguard law-abiding citizens. Our efforts to crackdown on the unregistered and illegally parked scooters will continue.

Women's History Celebration

Our annual Women's History Month event took place at Queens College this week, presenting an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women leaders in our community and reflect on the progress that has been made nationwide. I would like to extend special gratitude to our keynote speaker, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, for her inspiring speech on protecting and expanding women's rights everywhere. Congratulations to this year's honorees (pictured below left to right): NYPD Detective Tanya L. Duhaney, Queens DA Community Coordinator Rokeya Akhter, Queens DA Intake Bureau Chief Anne-Marie Mullaney and local restaurant owner Gianna P. Cerbone.

Rise Against Hunger

Queens Metropolitan High School recently teamed up with Rise Against Hunger to package nearly 15,000 meals for distribution at places such as medical clinics, vocational training programs, elder care facilities and schools. This initiative follows last year's successful partnership where 8,000 meals were packaged and sent to impoverished areas in the Philippines. It was a pleasure to meet the students and speak about the impact of their public service on the surrounding communities.

Civics Week

Chief Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Naiburg was honored to be invited to participate in a Civics Week engagement held recently at William Cullen Bryant High School. The event provided a platform for Chief Naiburg to share insights into her responsibilities and journey within the DA's office, while also emphasizing the significance of active civic involvement. It was a wonderful opportunity to inspire the students and underscore the value of public service.

Beware of Scams