CB6 MEETING NOTICE:
Community Board 6 Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 11 at Queens Borough Hall, Second Floor, 120-55 Queens Blvd., Kew Gardens at 7:00 pm. The next CB6 meeting will be on Thursday, April 16.
RAMOS TO HOST TOWN HALL IN EAST ELMHURST:
New York State Senator Jessica Ramos will host her State of the District Town Hall on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Lexington School for the Deaf, 25-26 75th St, East Elmhurst, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. The town hall will provide the opportunity to receive updates on key issues, including affordability, housing, public safety, casino-related concerns, immigration, and essential services.
STATEMENT FROM GOV HOCHUL ON IRAN:
“Following the U.S. military operations in Iran overnight, we are taking precautionary steps to protect New Yorkers. State Police are increasing their presence at religious, diplomatic, and cultural sites statewide in coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. Additionally, in advance of the Jewish holiday of Purim, State Police remain alert and have already begun outreach to religious organizations to offer support. While there have been no specific, credible threats to New York identified, we continue to monitor online activity for any potential threats, and we encourage New Yorkers to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.”
STATEMENT OPPOSING PROPOSED BESS FACILITY:
Multiple elected officials and community stakeholders, including Council Member Phil Wong, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, Congress Member Grace Meng, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, State Senator Joseph Addabbo, and State Assembly Member Andrew Hevesi, joined by United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew, Juniper Park Civic Association President Anthony Nunziato, and Middle Village Chamber of Commerce President Salvatore Crifasi, today issued the following joint statement regarding the proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) facility on 69th Place in Middle Village:
“Battery energy storage will play a role in strengthening our electric grid, but the proposed location at 69 Place is simply the wrong fit given its immediate proximity to PS/IS 128, a daycare center, a children’s fun house, an animal hospital, residential homes, and even a District 24 Teachers Center. We are united with the community in opposing this site and support a constructive counterproposal that would relocate the project to a more appropriate industrial area. The goal is to balance the need for reliable energy infrastructure with the responsibility to protect residential neighborhoods and community institutions. There is a clear path forward that allows this project to advance in a more suitable industrial location without compromising the safety and character of the surrounding community.”
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL ON ICE:
“A rogue deportation agenda is operating with zero transparency and even less accountability. Yesterday, a blind father was released from federal custody and left alone on the street to find his way home. He never made it back to his family. This morning, ICE agents misled campus security and took a young woman from her college dorm without a judicial warrant. No one should disappear at the hands of the government. No student should be taken from their dorm through deception. These incidents demand an independent investigation and real accountability. New York will not look the other way. If Washington won’t restore order and take action, New York will. We must act now and pass my comprehensive immigration legislation to keep New Yorkers safe.”
STATEMENT FROM SENATOR CHUCK SCHUMER ON ICE:
“It is outrageous that ICE agents falsely represented themselves to arrest a Columbia graduate student by entering university-owned housing without a warrant. This is unacceptable. We need immediate answers from ICE on the student’s whereabouts. My office is working closely with Columbia and the relevant authorities.”
QBP ON LATEST NOR’EASTER:
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. on the latest storm: “In what feels like a never-ending winter, Queens saw its biggest blizzard in nearly a decade drop up to 23 inches of snow on the borough this past Monday. But while that storm will go down as one of the 10 biggest in New York City history, what stood out to my team and I this week was the city’s much-improved response, compared to the previous Nor’easter. First and foremost, thank you to the thousands of dedicated NYC Department of Sanitation workers, emergency response staff and the small army of volunteer snow shovelers who braved the weather to keep New York City moving. Following the blizzard, my office held a multi-agency call with community leaders from across the borough, and the complaints had about storm were few and far between. So thank you to all our city workers who teamed up to clear the streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, bus stops, fire hydrants and more to get us back on our feet this quickly. Arguably the most encouraging lesson learned from the last storm, however, was ensuring the safety of homeless New Yorkers, especially in the brutal cold snap afterward. We lost 20 New Yorkers to weather-related causes in just a few weeks’ time, and many of their deaths were entirely avoidable. The city must do more to protect our homeless brothers and sisters during severe weather, and that is exactly what happened during this week’s storm. The new administration stepped up its efforts to keep unhoused New Yorkers safe and no deaths were reported as a result. Winter isn’t over yet. So my office will continue working to ensure the progress made during this week’s storm is something we take with us into the next one, whenever that might be. My office is here to serve you and your family. To learn more about how we’re working to build a better Queens, contact us by phone at 718-286-3000 or by email at info@queensbp.nyc.gov.”
QUEENS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ST PAT’S LUNCHEON:
On Thursday, March 12 at 11:30 a.m., hundreds of business and community leaders from across the borough will gather at Antun’s in Queens Village for the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon, honoring Robert S. Tucker, Esq., Chairman and CEO of T&M USA and former FDNY Commissioner, and Michael J. Dowling, CEO Emeritus of Northwell Health. Hosted by Queens’ oldest and largest business association, the annual luncheon celebrates the enduring contributions of Irish-Americans to Queens’ civic, cultural, and business life. The event will feature traditional Irish fare, music, and a festive program recognizing this year’s distinguished honorees.
“Queens’ Irish heritage is woven into the fabric of our borough’s history,” said Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. “This year, we are proud to honor two extraordinary leaders who embody the resilience, service and entrepreneurial spirit that define both the Irish-American experience and the Queens business community. Both Robert Tucker and Michael Dowling have each made a profound impact – in public safety, health care, and beyond – and we look forward to celebrating their achievements.” Tickets are available for purchase: https://queenschamber.glueup.com/event/st-patricks-day-annual-luncheon-2026-168282/
UNG REOPENS DISTRICT OFFICE FOLLOWING FIRE:
After more than two months of being closed to the public due to fire-related damage in the building, Deputy Leader Sandra Ung officially reopened her district office on Monday morning, welcoming constituents back for in-person services at 136-21 Latimer Place, Suite 1D, in Flushing. “Our district office is more than just a workspace, it’s a lifeline for so many families in our community,” said Deputy Leader Sandra Ung. “Even without a public announcement, within minutes of opening our doors there were already constituents waiting for help. That speaks volumes about how critical in-person services are in Flushing. I am thrilled to be able to welcome everyone back and resume serving our community face-to-face.”
“I am deeply grateful to the Queens Public Library and Asian Americans for Equality for stepping up and working with us to provide space for Mobile Office Hours during this disruption,” Deputy Leader Ung said. “Their partnership ensured that no one who needed help accessing vital services was left without support. That collaboration reflects the strength of our community.” The district office is now open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Constituents can also contact the office by calling (718) 888-8747 or emailing district20@council.nyc.gov.
GONZÁLEZ-ROJAS WILL HOST FOUR EVENTS IN MARCH:
Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas (D-34) will host four events in March providing vital resources to constituents. The March Paper Shredding event will take place on Saturday, March 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. in partnership with Elmhurst Hospital. The event will take place outside Woodside Houses, located at 50-53 Newtown Rd., Woodside. During this event, constituents can come to the Woodside Houses, where USA Shred will have a truck stationed. Constituents can bring their personal documents to be shredded discreetly, for free. Please arrive no later than 1:45 p.m.
The Assembly Member will also be hosting a Senior Citizen Homeowner Exemption (SCHE)/Disabled Homeowner Exemption (DHE) Clinic. The clinic will take place on Monday, March 9th, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Assembly Member’s East Elmhurst Office, located at 75-35 31st Ave, Suite 206B. Constituents will be able to meet with a representative from LiveOn New York who will help to reduce property taxes and make sure applications are completed correctly by the March 16th deadline. This event is limited to appointments only. Please call (718) 457-0384 to schedule your appointment.
Additionally, the Assembly Member will be hosting a Free Tax Preparation Clinic with Urban Upbound at the Assembly Member’s East Elmhurst district office on Friday, March 20th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The district office is located at 75-35 31st Ave, Suite 206B, East Elmhurst. A trained Urban Upbound volunteer tax preparer will meet with constituents to prepare their federal and state taxes for free. If you need assistance with having your federal or state taxes prepared, you can call (718) 457-0384 to make an appointment. You must make an appointment to be seen by a tax preparer. All tax preparers are IRS-certified and trained.
Finally, the Assembly Member will host a free Legal Services Clinic, in partnership with NY Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG). This event will take place on Thursday, March 26th, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the East Elmhurst district office, located at 75-35 31st Ave, Suite 206B. Constituents will have the opportunity to meet with NYLAG lawyers to discuss several different topics, including: tenant & homeowner rights, immigration assistance, public benefits, workers’ rights, family law, and much more. Please call (718) 457-0384 to schedule your appointment.
NYS SENATE PASSES BILL EXPANDING PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR VETS:
New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., a member of the Veterans, Homeland Security, and Military Affairs Committee, announced this month Senate approval of legislation (S.1788) to expand property tax exemptions for veterans who served their country on classified missions or aboard submarines during periods of war.
The bill amends the state’s real property tax law to provide a 10 percent property tax reduction to veterans whose service locations may remain classified or otherwise difficult to document. Under current law, many veterans don’t qualify for the exemption because they cannot provide proof of combat zone service due to the sensitive or secretive nature of their assignments. By expanding eligibility, S.1788 ensures that veterans who undertook dangerous and essential missions—often without public recognition—are not excluded from receiving property tax relief simply because their service records remain restricted. Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., a cosponsor of the legislation, emphasized the importance of recognizing all forms of military service while continuing to advocate for additional tax relief for veterans. “Our veterans answered the call to serve, often under extraordinary and highly classified circumstances that required immense sacrifice,” said Addabbo. “This legislation ensures those who served on submarines or classified missions are not denied the benefits they rightfully deserve simply because the nature of their service cannot be publicly documented.
After passing the Senate, S.1788 returns to the Assembly Veterans Affairs committee to advance through the legislative process as lawmakers continue efforts to provide meaningful relief and recognition to veterans across the state.
MENG FUNDS FIRST NANOFABRICATION FACILITY AT QUEENS COLLEGE:
The construction of the borough’s first nanofabrication facility—or “cleanroom”—is one of three Queens College student and community-focused STEM (the acronym that comprises science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in education) projects to receive a combined total of over $3 million in federal funding secured by U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens). The nanofabrication facility, jointly funded by Meng and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, uniquely positions the college to help train a highly skilled and diverse workforce, preparing students for 21st-century careers while strengthening New York’s leadership in advanced technology and innovation.
The other two projects, funded by Meng, will train students to examine the security of digital data, addressing critical issues and solutions in the ever-expanding arena of cybersecurity, and mobilize local youth and underserved residents to use emerging technologies for economic opportunity and community benefit.
ADDABBO ENCOURAGES SENIORS TO ACCESS FREE HOME REPAIR SERVICES:
Recently, New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. met with Aaron Cyperstein of Met Council and the Senator is encouraging seniors throughout the 15th District to take advantage of free home repair services available through community partners such as Met Council’s SenioRepair program. These services are designed to help older adults remain safe, independent, and comfortable in their homes.
“Many seniors want to remain in the neighborhoods they helped build, close to their families, friends, and support systems,” said Addabbo. “Home safety improvements, such as installing grab bars, repairing locks, fixing electrical outlets, and addressing other hazards, can significantly reduce the risk of falls and injuries and make it possible for older adults to age in place safely. I encourage anyone in need, or families caring for aging loved ones, to explore these valuable services.”
Through its SenioRepair program, Met Council provides free home repairs for eligible seniors age 60 and older who demonstrate financial need and reside in New York City. Services may include installing bathtub grab bars, repairing door and window locks, fixing sinks and drains, replacing light bulbs and electrical switches, installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, patching holes and cracks in walls, waterproofing tubs and showers, and winterizing windows and doors. These improvements help enhance safety, accessibility, and overall quality of life for seniors.
In addition to home repair assistance, Met Council provides a broad range of support services, including food access through an extensive pantry network, assistance enrolling in public benefits, crisis intervention to help prevent evictions and utility shutoffs, and supportive services for seniors and families facing financial hardship. Each year, Met Council helps more than 325,000 clients through comprehensive programs designed to meet evolving community needs.
“Our communities are strongest when neighbors, organizations, and government work together,” Addabbo stated. “When we embrace the power of a village, we ensure that seniors can age with dignity, remain safe in their homes, and know help is always within reach.”
Constituents interested in learning more about free home repair services or other support programs are encouraged to visit metcouncil.org, call Met Council at (646) 630-6832, or contact Senator Addabbo’s office at (718) 738-1111 for assistance connecting with available resources.
BILL PASSES TO COMBAT DIABETES IN AAPI COMMUNITIES:
On Tuesday, the New York State Senate passed legislation to address the alarming rise in Asian Americans living with undiagnosed diabetes, as part of a new Affordable Health Care package.
S634B/A1206, by state Senator John Liu and Assembly Member Ron Kim, aims to expand insurance coverage for diabetes and prediabetes screenings, in accordance with nationally recognized, evidence-based medical guidelines. This is an important step in addressing the alarmingly high rate of undiagnosed diabetes in Asian American communities. Medical studies have shown that Asian Americans are more likely to develop diabetes at lower BMIs than other populations, yet current standards don’t recommend screenings until a BMI of 25. This legislation requires insurance plans to cover screenings starting at a BMI of 23 and would eliminate deductibles, copayments, and other out-of-pocket costs that often prevent early detection and timely treatment.
The bill aligns with campaigns like the “Screen at 23” campaign as well as nationally recognized recommendations from the American Diabetes Association and Centers for Disease Control, which note that current screening guidelines leave many in the AAPI community undiagnosed and vulnerable.
State Senator John Liu stated, “Including this legislation as part of the Senate’s Affordable Healthcare Package is a critical step in addressing the high rates of undiagnosed diabetes in Asian American communities. By expanding access to screenings at lower BMI levels, we can ensure earlier detection and better health outcomes for those who otherwise may go undiagnosed. Affordable healthcare starts with prevention, and this legislation directly addresses a shortcoming in state law and insurance standards that for too long has kept our community from receiving necessary diagnosis and care.”
State Assembly Member Ron Kim stated, “This legislation marks an important step forward in our continued efforts to address diabetes in our communities. While diabetes is often overlooked as an issue impacting Asian Americans, research consistently shows that it can have serious health consequences for our community at even lower BMI levels than others. I am grateful to continue partnering with our community and legislative partners on this critical bill, and we remain committed to working diligently to see it passed in the Assembly this year.”
FIRST ASIAN AMERICAN WOMAN NAMED TO APPELLATE TERM:
Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas announced the appointment of Queens County Supreme Court Justice Karen Lin as an Associate Justice of the Appellate Term of the Supreme Court, Second Department in the 2nd, 11th, and 13th Judicial Districts, which hears appeals from the New York City Civil and Criminal Courts in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. The appointment was made in consultation with and consent of Appellate Division, Second Department Presiding Justice Hector D. LaSalle. The first Asian American woman to serve on this appellate bench, Justice Lin fills a vacancy created by the elevation of Justice Lisa S. Ottley to the Appellate Division, Second Department.
“Justice Lin is widely regarded for her legal acumen, fairness, humility and integrity. Her broad legal and judicial experience and thoughtful, equitable approach to justice will be of great benefit to the Appellate Term bench and the residents of Kings, Queens, and Richmond counties,” said Chief Administrative Judge Zayas.
“Every day, I am deeply grateful for this privilege of serving on the bench. As the first woman of Asian descent appointed to the Appellate Term, Second Department, I am thankful to Chief Administrative Judge Zayas, First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge St. George, and Presiding Justice LaSalle for their confidence,” said Justice Lin. “In hearing appeals from the New York City Civil and Criminal Courts, the Appellate Term may be the only appellate tribunal many everyday New Yorkers will ever encounter. I will endeavor to serve diligently, with justice, mercy, and humility.”
MTA ANNOUNCES REBRAND OF ‘MUSIC UNDER NEW YORK’:
As part of the ongoing 40th anniversary celebration of its Arts and Design program, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced a major refresh of the long-running “Music Under New York” program. Now called “MTA Music,” this refresh includes an expanded performance calendar designed to bring even more live music to New Yorkers throughout 2026 and beyond.
To kick things off, MTA Music is launching the “Stations Series” program–a new monthly themed performance series at five key locations across the five boroughs. Each month will highlight a different musical or cultural heritage. This is in addition to current daily performances in subway stations and rail hubs.
Stations Series performance sites include the Jackson Heights Roosevelt Ave/74 Street station. Stations Series performances will be announced throughout the year.
QUEENS CIVIC CONGRESS CELEBRATES AMERICAS’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY:
Join civic leaders from across Queens as Queens Civic Congress celebrates 250 years of American history and honors those who strengthen our communities every day, on Sunday, April 19, 2026, 1 pm to 4 pm. at Antuns’s $80 per person. The 2026 honorees are: Timothy Chubinidze, QBP Director of Intergovernmental Affairs & Civic Engagement; Nagassar Ramgarib, Former VP, Queens Civic Congress, President, Queens Village Civic Association; Rev. Carlene O. Thorbs, Chairperson, Community Board #12, Queens; Ashook Ramsaran, Queens Civic Congress Fresh Meadows Civic Association; Maria Becce, Broadway Flushing Homeowners Association, New York Community Aviation Roundtable.
Reservations may be made via Zelle at: queenscivic@gmail.com. You may also reserve through Eventbrite.
UNG REMINDED BUSINESSES TO SELECT COMMERCIAL WASTE HAULER:
Deputy Leader Sandra Ung urged businesses in Queens Northeast to take action before the February 28 deadline to sign a new written service agreement with an authorized private carter under New York City’s Commercial Waste Zone (CWZ) program. The New York City Department of Sanitation is implementing the Queens Northeast Commercial Waste Zone as part of the citywide transition to a safer, more efficient waste collection system. Under the CWZ program, all businesses that receive waste collection from private carters must contract with one of the carters authorized to operate in their zone. Businesses that did not sign a contract with one of the authorized haulers by February 28 will be assigned a carter and charged the maximum allowable rate for services.
RAGA OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN:
Nearly 200 community members gathered on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 2:30 PM outside the 46th St–Bliss St Station in Sunnyside as Steven Raga officially launched his campaign for New York State Senate District 12. The rally featured remarks from Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, Council Member Julie Won, former Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, and District Leader Melissa Sklarz, signaling broad support across Western Queens. At the event, the Filipino American Democratic Club of New York formally endorsed Raga’s candidacy. Speaking beneath the 7 train, known as the international express that connects Western Queens, Raga announced: “After talking with neighbors across Western Queens and listening closely to what our communities need right now, I’m officially announcing my candidacy for New York State Senate District 12 … I’m ready to fight even harder as your next State Senator.”
NYWFP ENDORSES REYNOSO IN NY-7:
The New York Working Families Party (NYWFP) announced its endorsement in NY-7. “Tonight, the NY Working Families Party is thrilled to endorse Antonio Reynoso in NY-7. These are unprecedented times and Antonio is the best candidate to fight for working families in Washington D.C. and build a movement strong enough to defeat the forces of authoritarianism. Importantly, Antonio is deeply trusted by our movement; he got his start organizing by knocking on doors in his community with New York ACORN. We know that as a member of Congress, he will lead the fights to protect immigrants, stand up for tenants, stand arm in arm with labor, and make New York a place where working families can afford to live and thrive,” said Jasmine Gripper, State Director of the New York Working Families Party.
*** CRIME BLOTTER ***
MARRIED COUPLE PLEADS GUILTY IN WAGE THEFT CASE:
Defendants Ordered to Make Restitution Payments of over $28,000
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced today that married couple Christian Perez and Ines Perez Miranda, along with their two cleaning companies, pleaded guilty to failing to pay wages for company employees. The defendants were ordered to make restitution to 30 victims totaling over $28,000.
District Attorney Katz said: “These defendants failed to pay their cleaning company employees thousands of dollars in wages, that those workers rightfully earned, and thought they could get away with it. Thanks to an investigation by my Housing and Worker Protection Bureau, we were able to put a stop to the exploitation perpetrated by these defendants and get restitution for their victims. As part of their plea, they are also prohibited from incorporating in the state of New York for five years. If you have been a victim of wage theft, please contact my office at 718-286-6673. I thank our partners at the New York State Department of Labor for their assistance in this case.”
New York State Commissioner of Labor Roberta Reardon said: “At the Department of Labor our mission is to protect New York’s workforce, and that includes recovering their stolen wages. This judgment will stand as an example of what happens to unscrupulous employers who try to exploit their workers, and I applaud District Attorney Katz for her continued partnership as we work to ensure New Yorkers are receiving their hard-earned money.”
Perez, 40, pleaded guilty yesterday to scheme to defraud in the first degree, grand larceny in the third degree, and failure to pay wages in accordance with the labor law. Perez Miranda, 42, pleaded guilty to failure to pay wages in accordance with the labor law. The defendants were originally from Queens. Additionally, Cleaning Pass LLC and Cleaning Pass Set It and Forget It LLC, two companies controlled by Perez, were included in today’s plea agreement. As part of the plea, the defendants were ordered to make restitution of $28,277.91, most of which has already been paid. They also cannot incorporate a company in New York state for five years.
Queens Supreme Court Justice Peter Vallone Jr. set a sentencing date of April 22, at which time Perez is expected to receive five years’ probation. Perez Miranda was sentenced yesterday to a conditional discharge.
According to the charges, Perez filed articles of organization forming Cleaning Pass LLC on July 26, 2022, and Cleaning Pass Set It and Forget It LLC on July 23, 2023. Perez was the principal of both companies and managed all bank accounts, filed legal statements, and oversaw client bookings and payroll matters. His wife served as a managerial agent for the two companies and supervised employees when they worked. Perez placed advertisements seeking cleaners and hired four individuals with the promise that the employees would be paid their wages within seven days. The employees were also advised they would be reimbursed for the cleaning supplies they purchased. The workers were required to download computer applications to document when they started and stopped working at different residential and business locations. Once hired, Perez used the computer systems to track client bookings and employee work time. Employees also used the same systems to document their time. They were also required to ask permission before they could physically leave their work locations.
Perez and his wife used multiple strategies to deny employees their wages. In some cases, employees were directed to hold on to payroll checks until given express permission to cash them. The couple also gave employees checks issued with a future date or issued checks from an account with insufficient funds. On other occasions they failed to pay wages at all and demanded employees immediately leave their work locations without compensation. The defendants also failed to reimburse the employees for their cleaning supplies as promised. Between September 6, 2023, and April 25, 2023, the victims sent multiple text and video messages to Perez and Perez Miranda requesting their wages and reimbursement for their expenses.
GLENDALE RESIDENT SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS IN PRISON:
Defendant Bit Off Sergeant’s Fingertip
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Feliz Enrique was sentenced to 17 years in prison for attacking a 9-year-old girl who was playing on a Glendale street. The defendant forcefully hit the child with an open hand in May 2025, knocking her to the ground. When an off-duty police sergeant who was nearby intervened to apprehend the defendant, Enrique bit off the top segment of the man’s right index finger.
District Attorney Katz said: “Feliz Enrique attacked a 9-year-old girl who was simply playing outside on a spring afternoon. The violence continued after good Samaritans, including an off-duty NYPD sergeant, tried to apprehend the defendant. Enrique bit the sergeant several times including on his right index finger, severing the fingertip. This type of senseless violence, especially against a child and a member of law enforcement, will not be tolerated. The defendant will now serve 17 years in prison.”
Enrique, 32, of Glendale, pleaded guilty in January to assault in the first, second degree and third degrees, attempted assault in the second degree and endangering the welfare of a child. Queens Supreme Court Justice Toni Cimino sentenced the defendant today to 17 years in prison to be followed by five years of post-release supervision.
DA Katz said that, according to the charges, on May 10, between 4:10 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Enrique approached a 9-year-old girl near the intersection of 67th Place and Central Avenue in Glendale and engaged the child in conversation by asking her name. When the child responded, Enrique forcefully struck her in the face with an open hand causing her to fall to the ground. Immediately after the incident, off-duty Sergeant Sebastian Hajder, who was nearby, and two good Samaritans attempted to apprehend the defendant. In the ensuing struggle, Enrique bit the sergeant on the knee, hand and finger. The defendant bit off the top portion of the officer’s right index finger. The girl was treated at a local hospital and sustained bruising to her arm and back, bleeding to her lip and arm, loose teeth as well as substantial pain. Sergeant Hajder was also treated at a local hospital and sustained bite marks to his hand and leg and abrasions to his arm and leg. As a result of the defendant’s actions, doctors were unable to reattach the officer’s fingertip.
QUEENS MAN SENTENCED TO UP TO 14 YEARS FOR TRAFFICKING TEEN GIRL:
Victim was Just 14 Years Old and Forced to Engage in Sex Acts
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced today that Troy Siddons was sentenced to seven to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty in April 2025 to sex trafficking and weapon possession charges. Siddons admitted that he paid a 14-year-old girl $300 for sex and then threatened and coerced her to engage in sex acts with paying customers to pay off a purported debt. The victim was held against her will and denied medical care for pain she experienced from the encounters.
District Attorney Katz said: “This defendant preyed on a 14-year-old for his own financial gain, denying her freedom and letting her suffer in pain. This type of exploitation is unacceptable and the defendant has now been sentenced to prison. We remain dedicated to seeking justice for survivors while helping them recover. If you need assistance or are aware of anyone who may be trafficked, please contact our Human Trafficking Bureau at 718-286-6548.”
Siddons, 41, of St. Albans, pleaded guilty in April 2025 before Queens Supreme Court Justice Peter Vallone Jr. who sentenced him on February 26 to an indeterminate term of seven to 14 years in prison on the sex trafficking charge and 3½ to seven years for the charge of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, to run concurrently. The defendant will also be required to register as a sex offender following his release.
According to the charges, Siddons first met the 14-year-old victim at a party on or about January 16, 2022, and they exchanged phone numbers. He then met the victim at the Van Wyck Hotel and paid her for sex. On a second occasion, he met her at the Best Western where he “purchased” the victim and held her against her will. The defendant told the victim that she owed him $300. Siddons then forced the victim to engage in sex acts with paying customers and he kept all the proceeds from the illicit acts, telling the teen she needed to pay off her debt. Siddons made appointments for the victim, had his associates collect payments, and restricted the victim from leaving the designated location. Additionally, the defendant refused to provide medical care for the victim when she complained of tremendous pain because of the sexual encounters. The victim was rescued by the NYPD on January 23, 2022, from a home in Brooklyn, where she was forced to reside with associates of Siddons.
A court-authorized search warrant executed on Siddons’ residence on September 27, 2022, resulted in police finding two loaded and operable firearms, along with a bullet-resistant vest, from the defendant’s bedroom.
—With contributions by Augusta Luger
This column was originated by John A. Toscano.