NO TRASH PICKUP ON LABOR DAY:
The New York City Department of Sanitation announced that there would be no trash, curbside composting, or recycling collection on Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026. Residents who normally receive Monday trash, curbside composting, or recycling collection should place their material at the curb Monday evening for collection beginning Tuesday, September 8.
NOTE FOR ALL RESIDENTS: Collection delays may occur after a holiday. We appreciate patience as we work to collect the backlog of material.
For questions about Sanitation services and holiday schedules contact 311 or visit nyc.gov/sanitation.
NORTH QUEENS HOMEOWNERS CIVIC ASSOCIATION MTG:
Thursday, September 10th, 2026, 7:30 PM at The Lexington School for the Deaf, 25-26 75th Street, East Elmhurst (cafeteria, lower level). Guest Speaker: Liz Gutierrez, Public Affairs Manager, LiveOnNY. Ms. Gutierrez will discuss the LiveOnNY organization whose mission includes educating the community about the importance of organ donation.
MAMDANI SIGNS BILL MAKING YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR DINING PERMANENT:
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani signed legislation into law establishing permanent, year-round outdoor dining on New York City roadways.
Int. 0655, sponsored by Council Member Lincoln Restler, amends a previous law that required restaurants participating in the City’s outdoor dining program, Dining Out NYC, to remove roadway dining setups November 30 through March 31, a requirement that did not apply to sidewalk cafes. The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) will promulgate rules in the coming months allowing restaurants to temporarily winterize roadway dining setups.
“Outdoor dining transformed our city once before, and now we are making sure it has a permanent place in New York City,” said Mayor Mamdani. “The previous law forced small businessowners to dismantle and rebuild their outdoor dining setups every year, adding unnecessary costs and making it harder for neighborhood restaurants to plan for the future. With the legislation we’re signing today, our favorite restaurants can continue bringing New Yorkers together over good food and great company in every season. I’m grateful to Council Member Restler for championing this legislation and helping ensure that our streets work for the small businesses and communities that make this city what it is.”
“New Yorkers love dining outside, and outdoor seating makes our streets more vibrant while helping support the small businesses we cherish. NYC DOT built a successful permanent outdoor dining program that created cleaner, more accessible and more resilient roadway setups — but the previous law restricting roadway seating to a specific period was a costly hurdle that hurt restaurants’ participation,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “We look forward to developing new rules to allow for restaurants to winterize their roadway dining setups in a way that creates a comfortable dining experience while still maintaining the light and airy setups we see on our streets today.”
NYC HEALTH DEPT: GIVE BLOOD:
The New York City Health Department and New York State Department of Health joined together and hosted a press event at the New York Blood Center urging eligible New Yorkers to donate blood ahead of Labor Day weekend.
New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin and New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald donated blood at the event, showing the importance of making blood donation a regular part of community health.
“Blood donation is a simple act of kindness that has the power to save lives. In a city as vibrant and diverse as New York, the need for blood is constant and urgent,” NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin said. “The national blood shortage has made it even more critical for New Yorkers to step up and donate. As an ER doctor, I have seen firsthand how essential it is for a hospital to have the resources to treat trauma victims, cancer patients, and those undergoing surgeries each day. One pint of blood can save up to three lives. By donating blood, we can come together to support our community and address this need.”
This summer, the New York Blood Center declared two blood emergencies after donations dropped to their lowest levels since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Regular blood and plasma donations are essential to maintaining a safe and sustainable supply. Donations support people living with conditions including sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, hemophilia, and immune deficiency; people undergoing treatment for cancer; and people requiring emergency and surgical care.
As New Yorkers prepare for Labor Day weekend, rebuilding and maintaining the blood supply is critical because there is typically a decline in donations during holiday weekends. Blood donations also decline during back-to-school season.
According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood or platelets every two seconds. Type O blood is among the blood types most often requested by hospitals. Because donated red blood cells must generally be used within 42 days, the need for donations is constant and supplies do not always keep pace with demand. New Yorkers can find nearby locations to donate blood by visiting the American Red Cross website www.redcross.org/give-blood.html, the New York Blood Center website www.nybc.org/donate-blood/donor-center-locations/, or the ConnectLife Blood and Organ Donor Network www.connectlife.org/
New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations for blood donor qualifications can be found at regs.health.ny.gov/content/section-58-22-qualifications-donors.
WONG ON SHOOTING INCIDENT IN MASPETH:
Council Member Phil Wong (D-Queens) issued the following statement regarding the ongoing investigation into reports of shots fired on 56th Road: “I’m aware of the ongoing investigation on 56th Road in Maspeth following reports of shots fired overnight. At this time, there is no indication this was a targeted shooting and it appears to have been an isolated incident. One person is in custody, and we will allow the NYPD to continue its investigation before commenting further.”
NEW FLOOD RESILIENCY INFRASTRUCTURE:
Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdan today announced an $8.4 million investment in flood resiliency infrastructure, transforming concrete roadway medians in Whitestone, Forest Hills and Queens Village to green infrastructure “sponges” that will absorb stormwater and prevent extreme weather flooding. In total, the newly engineered spaces in Queens are expected to capture an estimated five million gallons of stormwater each year, alleviating strain on the sewer system and improving the water quality of local waterways including the East River, Flushing Bay and Jamaica Bay.
Whitestone: Francis Lewis Boulevard, between 20th Avenue and 21st Road: The medians along Francis Lewis Boulevard, now nearing completion, stretch 1,105 feet and capture runoff from a 1.17 acre drainage area. They will manage 1.11 million gallons of stormwater each year, reducing combined sewer overflows (CSO) into the East River.
Forest Hills: Union Turnpike, between Metropolitan Avenue and 71st Road: Set to be planted this fall, the Union Turnpike medians extend 3,245 feet and draw from a 2.56 acre drainage area. They are designed to handle 2.43 million gallons of stormwater annually, easing pressure on the system and preventing CSO into Flushing Bay.
Queens Village: Springfield Boulevard, between Lucas Street and Merrick Boulevard: Construction on Springfield Boulevard’s medians, expected to begin later this year, will add 1,182 feet of green infrastructure tied to a 1.51 acre drainage area. These improvements will manage 1.44 million gallons of stormwater each year and help limit CSO into Jamaica Bay.
“With flash floods becoming more the norm due to extreme weather tied to our changing climate, it’s imperative we do all we can to protect our communities,” Governor Hochul said. “Here in New York, we are implementing innovative solutions to strengthen our infrastructure and better protect our communities. Working with Mayor Mamdani and the City of New York, these critical green infrastructure projects will help make Whitestone, Forest Hills, and Queens Village more resilient and safe.”
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani said, “Climate change is bringing more intense and unpredictable bursts of rain, and without action, those storms will continue to overwhelm New York City’s sewer system. This $8.4 million green median project meets that challenge with infrastructure that works for our environment and our neighborhoods. By planting native species and wildflowers above an underground stormwater storage network, we will capture five million gallons of stormwater each year, easing pressure on our sewer system and keeping New Yorkers safe. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and our state partners for investing in resilient infrastructure that protects New Yorkers while making our city greener and more beautiful.”
The projects are funded in part by New York State grants totaling $5 million from the Green Innovation Grant Program administered by the Environmental Facilities Corp. and the Water Quality Improvement Project overseen by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Work will remove the old concrete medians and curbs and clear overgrown or dead trees, weeds, and accumulated debris. To ensure water flows into the medians, new inlet openings will be built to divert water off the streets and directly into the planted areas. Construction includes installing specially engineered soils and underground storage systems designed to absorb stormwater. The landscaping will transform these spaces into green corridors, planted with native species, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers. Together, these improvements will cool and beautify the streetscape while providing stronger flood protection for surrounding neighborhoods. The projects also deliver landscape upgrades that enhance neighborhood aesthetic, while improving pedestrian safety with ADA compliant ramps and detectable warning surfaces.
All work has been closely coordinated with the New York City Department of Transportation and NYC Parks.
NEW LOADING ZONE ON MAIN STREET:
State Senator John Liu joined small businesses on Main Street, Flushing, to announce the creation of a new loading zone that will help businesses receive deliveries without being ticketed under the city’s automated bus lane enforcement program.
The businesses turned to Senator Liu’s office after experiencing difficulties taking deliveries around the Main Street bus lane, resulting in delivery delays, missed deliveries, and a loss of business on a busy stretch of Main Street just north of the Long Island Expressway. After working with the NYC Department of Transportation, Senator Liu’s office secured a commitment from the agency to establish a new 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. loading zone on the block in the coming months. The designated loading zone on Main Street between 59th Avenue and 60th Avenue will provide more than a dozen small businesses with a dedicated time and place for deliveries while keeping the bus lane clear during peak hours.
State Senator John Liu stated, “This part of Flushing has long been an important business and consumer corridor, but these shops and restaurants have been hampered by the difficulty of receiving deliveries vital to their businesses. This new loading zone is the result of the business owners speaking up and the DOT responding appropriately. I am proud that we have found a balance between the needs of these small businesses and commuters who rely on the bus lane for safe and speedier transit.”
The new loading zone is expected to be established in the coming months.
‘UNG-BELIEVABLE’ BLOCK PARTY:
New York City Council Deputy Leader Sandra Ung will host the 2nd Annual “UNG-believable” Back-to-School Block Party on Friday, September 4, from 12 to 3 p.m. in front of her District Office on Latimer Place between Linden Boulevard and 137th Street. The free community celebration will bring together families, students, educators, community organizations, and local businesses to mark the end of summer and help ensure that children are ready for the start of a new school year. The event is hosted in conjunction with Congresswoman Grace Meng, State Senator John Liu, Assemblyman Ron Kim, Borough President Donovan Richards, and District Attorney Melinda Katz.
There will be giveaways of books, school supplies, and other items to help students, while more than 25 local nonprofits, government agencies, cultural institutions, and community organizations will be on hand to share information about programs and services available throughout the year. Live performances will include martial arts and street dance performances by Evolute Academy and Champion Martial Arts, dance routines from Dance for the People, a Chinese yo-yo presentation by Glow Cultural Center, and a Zumba class led by the Flushing YMCA.
The “UNG-believable” Back-to-School Block Party is free and open to the public. It builds on the success of Deputy Leader Ung’s inaugural “UNG-believable” Back-to-School Block Party, which brought together families from across the community in August 2025 for an afternoon of fun, entertainment, and giveaways before the start of the school year.
“This block party is about bringing our community together to celebrate the end of summer and help kids start the school year with the tools they need to succeed,” said Deputy Leader Sandra Ung. “One of the things I love most about this event is seeing so many of the organizations that make Flushing such a special place gathered to support youth in our community, and I am grateful to the many partners whose generosity and hard work make this day possible. I invite the entire community to come out, enjoy the festivities, and send our students back to school feeling confident and prepared.”
MTA ANNOUNCES THREE MODERNIZED ELEVATORS:
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the opening of three modernized elevators serving the Jamaica-179 St F station in Queens as part of larger accessibility and safety upgrades. Regular replacements are crucial to keep the system running effectively and efficiently resulting in less repairs and fewer disruptions needed later. With the addition of the Jamaica-179 St elevators, the MTA has completed 20 elevator replacements in 2026.
The elevators at Jamaica-179 St include one connecting the street to the mezzanine, one connecting the mezzanine to the Manhattan-bound F platform, and one connecting the mezzanine and the terminal. The station serves more than 13,000 riders every weekday. The elevator design-builder is Forte-Gramercy JV.
Work involved in the elevator replacement included:
Full replacement of elevator cab and associated equipment within the cab, shaft, and pit, along with new replaced elevator head house glass and canopy at street level.
Modifications to the shaft and pit needed to accommodate new equipment. Equipment updates ensure the elevator ride is smoother and the elevator is more reliable in the future.
Replacement and modernization of all elevator machine room, electrical and mechanical equipment for better and more reliable service.
Upgrades to the remote monitoring equipment, fire alarm system, intercom system and cameras to enhance security and allow crews to respond more quickly and precisely if an elevator goes out of service.
BP ON EARTHQUAKE IN COLOMBIA:
Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.: “Our South American neighbors need our help once again following a devastating earthquake, this time in Colombia. More than 300 people were killed, thousands were injured and tens of thousands more were left homeless on August 10, when a 7.4 magnitude quake struck the western half of the nation, destroying entire neighborhoods in major cities like Cali and rural towns alike. But just like we did after the twin earthquakes in Venezuela earlier this summer, Queens is doing its part to provide relief to impacted families.
“Through next Friday, September 4, my office is accepting donations of badly-needed supplies like first aid kits, blankets, non-perishable food, diapers, baby food, formula, disposable gloves, thermometers and hygiene products. If you would like to contribute, you can bring your donations to Queens Borough Hall at 120-55 Queens Blvd. in Kew Gardens and drop them off in the appropriately labeled box in the lobby.
“Queens is the proud home of a diverse and dynamic Colombian American community at more than 150,000 people strong. From the heart of the Colombian community in Jackson Heights to neighborhoods like Corona, College Point and beyond, we know there are neighbors in Queens whose relatives back home have been severely impacted by the earthquake. So if you’re able, please consider participating and lending a helping hand to our South American friends in their time of need.”
RAJKUMAR ON THE FLASH FLOODS IN NEPAL:
Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar’s statement on the catastrophic flash floods in Nepal: “The catastrophic flash floods across the Nepal-Tibet border have brought unimaginable loss and devastation to families and communities in New York and around the world. This tragedy has taken the lives of at least 579 precious souls, with nearly 2,000 missing—some with family right here in Queens. As the first South Asian woman elected to New York State Office and a steadfast ally of New York’s Nepali American community, I extend my deepest condolences to everyone who has lost someone in this disaster. This is a moment of profound sorrow and uncertainty for us all as we anxiously await news from friends and loved ones. To my Nepali family here in New York and around the world: you are not alone. I stand ready to connect our community with every resource and form of assistance available during this time of profound loss and uncertainty.”
*** CRIME BLOTTER ***
SENTENCING FOR STAGED CAR CRASHES:
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and Governor Kathy Hochul announced today the sentencing of 53-year-old Jaime Huiracocha and 34-year-old Victor Murillo, both of Brooklyn. The two were found guilty of charges related to staging three crashes on New York City highways and seeking fraudulent insurance payouts for damages and injuries. The investigation was conducted by the NYPD with the assistance of investigators from the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS).
“Today we’re sending a message to would-be-fraudsters everywhere: If you stage crashes, try to defraud or endanger New Yorkers, you will be held accountable,” Governor Hochul said. “This kind of reckless, illegal behavior has been driving up auto insurance costs for millions of New Yorkers for far too long. By cracking down, we’re not just getting dangerous criminals off our roads, we’re putting money back into the pockets of everyday drivers.”
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, “Staged auto collisions not only terrify the drivers who are targeted, they put other motorists at risk and ultimately lead to increased insurance costs for all New Yorkers. Thanks to a brave victim who came forward with dashcam video, and an investigation by my Financial Frauds Bureau with our partners at the NYPD and New York State Department of Financial Services, we secured convictions against two defendants who orchestrated three crashes. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul for being a nationwide leader on the issue of insurance fraud and enacting a series of reforms that will help prosecutors bring more cases and save New Yorkers money.”
Huiracocha pleaded guilty in May to insurance fraud in the third degree and conspiracy in the fifth degree. Queens Supreme Court Justice Jerry Iannece sentenced him to one to three years in prison on the first charge and one year in jail on the second charge, to run concurrently. Murillo pleaded guilty to staging a motor vehicle accident in the second degree, insurance fraud in the fourth degree and conspiracy in the fifth degree. Justice Iannece sentenced him to two years in prison on the first two charges and one year of incarceration on the third charge to be served concurrently.
According to investigators, between August 24, 2024, and October 16, 2024, Huiracocha and Murillo conspired to stage car crashes on New York City highways as part of an insurance fraud scheme. The defendants recruited individuals to participate in three separate car crashes and enticed them with promises of cash payouts of thousands of dollars. Murillo acted as the designated driver for these crashes. During each of the staged collisions, the defendant suddenly and deliberately stepped on the brakes of the car he was driving, causing the vehicle behind him to rear end the car he was operating. In one instance, when the car behind him braked in time to avoid a collision, Murillo reversed into that vehicle and caused a crash.
During the staged crashes, Huiracocha drove in a separate vehicle and trailed Murillo on the highway and directed him on exactly when and how to stage the collisions. After the crashes, Murillo climbed into the front passenger seat of each vehicle and exited the car from the passenger side. His actions were obscured by passengers in the back seat who covered the rear window with a tarp or plastic bag. Murillo then fled the scene each time in a getaway car that had pulled in front of the car he drove. In the three collisions, the remaining occupants of Murillo’s car exited the vehicle and pretended to be injured. The occupants were directed by Huiracocha to visit specific medical clinics after the crashes.
The staged crashes occurred on the following dates:
On August 24, 2024, at approximately 8 a.m., a 47-year-old woman from Long Island was driving westbound on the Belt Parkway near the Erskine Street exit. A silver Honda Civic driven by Murillo merged into the lane directly in front of her and stopped, forcing her to collide with the car. Dashcam footage from the victim’s car captured Murillo exiting the Honda and entering a red Kia that had stopped directly in front of it after the crash.
On October 3, 2024, at approximately 12 p.m., a 44-year-old man from New Jersey was driving his tractor trailer in the middle lane of the Nassau Expressway near Cross Bay Boulevard in Lindenwood. A Nissan Xterra, driven by Murillo, suddenly cut into the middle lane directly in front of the truck. The truck driver was unable to avoid hitting the Nissan. Murillo got out of the Nissan, entered another vehicle that had stopped in front of him, and then quickly left the scene. At the same time, a female claimed to the truck driver that she had been the one driving the Nissan during the collision. After the getaway car drove off with Murillo, another car stopped at the scene. Huiracocha exited and spoke to the truck driver.
On October 16, 2024, at approximately 12 p.m., a 31-year-old woman from Queens was driving north in the left lane of the Belt Parkway in Rosedale near the Nassau County border. A Honda Civic driven by Murillo cut in front of the woman’s vehicle and abruptly came to a stop. The victim was forced to step on her brakes to avoid a collision. Murillo then quickly reversed the Honda and backed into the victim’s vehicle, damaging both her car and the Honda. Dashcam footage showed not only the collision, but also a red Kia Sportage following the woman’s car. After the crash, the Kia stopped in front of the Honda. Murillo, who climbed to the front passenger’s seat, exited the Honda from that side. He then entered the Kia and was driven away from the scene. Defendants Maikel Martinez and Ivon Matus-Martinez, alleged participants in the crashes, also pleaded guilty and are expected to be sentenced next month.
Assemblymember David Weprin said, “Staged collisions are not only insurance fraud – they are dangerous crimes that deliberately put innocent motorists and families at risk. As Chair of the Assembly Insurance Committee, I know that this fraud also drives unnecessary costs into our insurance system, costs that are ultimately borne by honest New Yorkers. I commend Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Governor Hochul, and our law enforcement partners for taking these schemes seriously and holding those responsible accountable. We must continue working together to combat fraud, protect motorists, and make auto insurance more affordable for New Yorkers.”
Anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of insurance fraud is urged to call the Insurance Fraud Hotline at 888-372-8369 or visit dfs.ny.gov/consumers to file an online report.
FAR ROCKAWAY MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO BEATING MALBA HOMEOWNERS:
Justin Aguilera Admitted Attacking Homeowners at Illicit Neighborhood Takeover; Faces 4 ½ Years in Prison at Sentencing
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Justin Aguilera pleaded guilty to attacking a Malba couple in November 2025. When the couple attempted to clear trespassers assembled for an illegal car meetup near their property, Aguilera, along with others, punched, kicked, and stomped the husband to the ground outside his home then punched his wife in the face when she attempted to intervene.
District Attorney Katz said: “This defendant participated in a chaotic, illegal street takeover in a quiet neighborhood. When a homeowner asked him to leave, Justin Aguilera ruthlessly pummeled the man on his lawn and then attacked the victim’s wife when she attempted to intervene. We will not allow our streets to be taken over by this type of behavior, nor will we allow those who object to it be threatened or injured.”
Aguilera, 19, of Far Rockaway, pleaded guilty to gang assault in the second degree in satisfaction of the original indictment before Acting Queens Supreme Court Justice Joanne Watters. The defendant was ordered to return to court on September 23 when he faces a sentence of 4 ½ years in prison.
District Attorney Katz said that, according to the indictment, on November 23, 2025, a homeowner heard a loud commotion outside his home at approximately 12:40 a.m. on 11th Avenue in Malba caused by multiple motor vehicles spinning their tires and creating smoke in front of the corner property. The homeowner saw a group of at least 10 people, including defendant Aguilera, assembled near his yard and went outside holding a baseball bat to direct them away from the area. He was accompanied by his wife. When the man and his wife addressed the group, approximately six to eight individuals in the group advanced onto the couple’s lawn. One of them threatened to kill the husband saying, “I’ll pop you. I’ll put you six feet under. You’re not hard.”
The group, including the defendant, advanced toward the front door of the victim’s residence and surrounded the homeowner. The victim was punched, causing him to fall. Aguilera then punched, kicked and stomped on the male victim while he was on the ground. When the victim’s wife attempted to intervene and push the individuals away from her husband, Aguilera punched her in the mouth. Following the physical attack, Aguilera fled the area.
Approximately three hours later, at 3:53 a.m. that morning, Aguilera was arrested for several traffic violations near the intersection of Union Turnpike and Utopia Parkway, wearing clothing that led to his identification in video footage of the earlier assault. He was arrested in December for his role in the Malba incident.
The male victim suffered multiple rib fractures, a fracture of his right shoulder and other related injuries.
POSTAL WORKER INDICTED FOR MAIL THEFT AND FORGERY:
Defendant Allegedly Opened Mail at Whitestone Post Office, Stole Money Orders and Cashed Them by Forging Signatures; Faces up to Five to 15 Years in Prison, if Convicted
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Jere Campbell was indicted for forgery, identity theft, grand larceny and other crimes for allegedly stealing mail and cashing money orders intended for others while working as a clerk at the Whitestone Post Office. Campbell is alleged to have stolen more than $20,000 in a 15-month period. Some of the stolen money orders were meant as rent payments.
District Attorney Katz said: “As alleged, this U.S. Postal Service clerk was supposed to safeguard customers’ mail but instead stole more than $20,000 in money orders and used that money to line her own pockets. One of the victims bought money orders to pay a deposit on a memorial plaque for her parents’ grave, while others sent money orders to pay their rent. Thank you to our partners at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and USPS Office of Inspector General for their work on this case. If you believe your mail was stolen from the Whitestone Post Office, please contact our office at 718-286-6673.”
USPIS Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward of the New York Division said: “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, along with our partners at USPS-OIG, are committed in our mission of protecting the U.S. Mail and the customers we serve. USPIS thoroughly investigates mail theft incidents, and we will ensure all offenders are held accountable and brought to justice, especially those who abuse their position of trust within the United States Postal Service. If you believe your mail has been stolen, please report it to USPIS on our website at USPIS.gov.”
Matthew M. Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office, USPS Office of Inspector General said: “We thank the Queens County District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their partnership in this investigation.”
Campbell, 44, of the Bronx, was arraigned Thursday on an 89-count indictment charging her with 15 counts of forgery in the first degree, two counts of scheme to defraud in the first degree, criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree, eight counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the first degree, 23 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, 15 counts of identity theft in the first degree, two counts of grand larceny in the third degree, 15 counts of identity theft in the second degree, five counts of petit larceny and three counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree.
Queens Supreme Court Justice Leigh Cheng ordered Campbell to return to court September 30. If convicted, she faces up to five to 15 years in prison.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the USPS Office of Inspector General began an investigation in December 2024 after receiving customer complaints about missing money orders. The DA’s office joined the investigation a month later.
District Attorney Katz said that, according to the charges and investigation, Campbell worked as a clerk at the Whitestone Post Office and entered the building’s distribution room where she opened envelopes that arrived at the facility. She allegedly rifled through the contents of the mail and pocketed money orders before tossing the envelopes. Campbell allegedly resealed some empty envelopes, which were sent to the recipients. Campbell went to her window and cashed the money orders after forging the necessary signatures. She is alleged to have cashed $21,400 worth of money orders from 10 people from February 24, 2025, to May 12, 2026. One victim allegedly purchased three money orders for $1,000 each at a Bronx post office and mailed them to her landlord’s postal box in Whitestone. The money orders were cashed but never delivered. Another victim allegedly mailed $3,000 in money orders to Florida to pay homeowners association fees. The envelope arrived at its destination but without the money orders, which were allegedly cashed by Campbell. One man allegedly purchased several money orders totaling $4,000 over a period of months, and the money orders were mailed to his landlord’s Whitestone postal box. In March 2026, he bought another $2,000 in money orders at the Fresh Meadows Post Office but mailed them from Campbell’s window at the Whitestone Post Office. His landlord never received the money orders, all of which were allegedly cashed by Campbell.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
—With contributions by Augusta Luger
This column was originated by John A. Toscano.