April 26, 2024

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

April marks National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a crucial time to shed light on the pervasive issue of sexual violence. One impactful initiative during this month is Denim Day, which originated in the late 1990s as a response to a shocking court ruling in Italy. The Italian Supreme Court had overturned a rape conviction based on the notion that the victim was wearing tight jeans and therefore must have helped remove them, implying consent. The next day, Italian women showed up in jeans to their workplaces to protest the ruling. This long-standing Denim Day campaign serves as a powerful reminder of the harmful misconceptions and attitudes surrounding sexual assault. By wearing denim for Wednesday's Denim Day, my office stood in solidarity with survivors and advocates as we continue the fight toward a world free from harassment and violence. My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe. In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

A Queens man was indicted for the deadly stabbing of his 41-year-old girlfriend at the Maspeth tavern where she worked as a bartender More than 30 weapons including ghost guns and assault rifles were recovered in a Rockaway Park home. The defendant was charged in a 281-count complaint A Flushing man was indicted on criminal charges for allegedly speeding through a crosswalk while making a left turn, killing an 8-year-old boy and injuring his 10-year-old brother in East Elmhurst A school crossing guard was charged with attempted rape and other crimes after an undercover investigation during which he allegedly tried to lure an NYPD officer posing as a 14-year-old to participate in a sexual act

Cold Case

If you have information regarding the death of an unidentified male, found killed in Brookville 23 years ago, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form. It is never too late for justice.

Combating Retail Theft

I was proud to join Governor Kathy Hochul last week for an announcement on new initiatives against retail theft in the state budget. We must do everything in our power to fight back against retail theft to support local businesses, their workers and shoppers. Thank you to Governor Hochul for giving us additional tools to help us combat shoplifting including increased penalties for the crime of assaulting a retail worker.

National Crime Victims' Rights Week

Crime Victims' Rights Week is a time to recognize and remove barriers that hinder justice for victims of crime. It is a time to remember those who have lost their lives, honor the survivors, and provide support to impacted families. The Crime Victims Advocacy Program in my office commemorated the week with a special program for crime victims, their loved ones, and our partner advocates. Assistant District Attorney Paige Nyer, a supervisor in the Domestic Violence Bureau, received the National Crime Victims' Rights Week 2024 Award. Seeking justice on behalf of victims is at the heart of our work. We will continue our unrelenting efforts to do right by the people of this borough.

Honoring Former Assembly Member Nettie Mayersohn

We came together recently to honor a longtime assemblywoman and a treasured community activist, the late Nettie Mayersohn. It was a pleasure to join members of her family, area elected officials and residents for a street naming ceremony in her honor in Kew Gardens Hills. The presence of so many community leaders was a testament to the tremendous impact Assembly Member Mayersohn had in this community, and all of Queens.

Queens Family Court Teen Career Day

Members of my Youth Empowerment Unit recently attended a Teen Career Day event at Queens Family Court to share resources and opportunities my office provides to empower our young people and help put them on a path to success. The Youth Empowerment Unit reaches hundreds of youth on an ongoing basis, creating an opportunity to teach young people to think critically and communicate respectfully. For more information, email YouthEmpowerment@queensda.org or call 718-286-6400.