Oct 15, 2024 · As Queens District Attorney, Melinda Katz brings a steady, community-centered approach to the office. A lifelong resident of the Borough, DA Katz has seen the many changes that have taken place as we’ve become a more cosmopolitan and diverse community, while still retaining the family-oriented values that have always defined us.

Melinda Katz became the District Attorney for Queens County in January 2020, making history as the first woman to hold the office. Under her leadership, the District Attorney’s office ensures that all defendants are treated fairly and in a non-discriminatory manner, while protecting the communities it serves in the most diverse county in America.

The Queens District Attorney’s Office is privileged to represent the most diverse county on the planet – Queens County. Assistant District Attorneys hail from all corners of the county and the globe.

Melinda Katz became the District Attorney for Queens County in January 2020, making history as the first woman to hold the office. Under her leadership, the District Attorney’s office ensures that all defendants are treated fairly and in a non-discriminatory manner, while protecting the communities it serves in the most diverse county in America.

Our annual reports provide a comprehensive overview of the office’s achievements, initiatives, and progress over the past year. These documents showcase our ongoing commitment to transparency and community engagement. Available Annual Reports: Download 2023 – Annual Report – Volume 5 Download 2022 – Annual Report – …

Oct 2, 2024 · Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced today that Kimi, a 2-year-old golden retriever/Labrador retriever mix, has been appointed to the District Attorney’s Office as a facility dog to provide comfort and companionship to crime victims and witnesses.

Dec 5, 2024 · Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that a three-and-a-half-year investigation into gang violence in Southeast Queens led to the indictment of 11 alleged members of “Whole Blocc Boys” and “Score On Anything” – two subsets of …

Jan 24, 2025 · Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Jerson Vasquez pleaded guilty to rape, attempted murder and another charge for the violent sexual assault of a woman on a rooftop in August 2023. The defendant answered an online prostitution advertisement and lured the victim to the location.

When the wrong person is convicted of a crime, the guilty party has evaded justice and is free to commit other crimes. Identifying wrongful convictions also allows District Attorney Katz to assess past mistakes and enact policies to increase the accuracy and integrity of prosecutions.

Joyce Smith serves as the Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Special Prosecutions Division of the Queens County District Attorney’s Office. She recently rejoined the office where she began her legal career in 1996.