Melinda Katz

Melinda Katz has served as the District Attorney of Queens since 2020 and was re-elected to a second term in November 2023.  Within her first six months, she established New York City’s first specialized Human Trafficking Bureau and has prioritized investigating and prosecuting both sex and labor trafficking while also providing services to survivors, particularly targeting trafficking in hotels, motels, and on Roosevelt Avenue.  Her office uses victim-centered, trauma-informed services, partner-agency enforcement, undercover operations, and prosecution of traffickers and buyers.  Previously, Ms. Katz served as Queens Borough President and in the New York City Council and New York State Assembly, where she authored hallmark legislation including Kendall’s Law.  Ms. Katz is also an attorney with years of experience in the private bar.