QUEENS DISTRICT ATTORNEY MELINDA KATZ ANNOUNCES A HOUSING AND WORKER PROTECTION BUREAU

UsaNewsOnline.Com Desk, New York : Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced June 1 the creation of the new Housing and Worker Protection Bureau. This newly established crime fighting Bureau will focus on investigating and prosecuting crimes related to homeownership, predatory lending, wage theft and workplace safety. The Bureau will work collaboratively with other agencies and across disciplines to bring the full power of the District Attorney’s office into play to identify and hold those who victimize members of our community accountable.

          District Attorney Katz said, “Far too often, people are swindled into giving away their property. Unscrupulous criminals often target elderly or vulnerable people in real estate scams convincing them to sign on a dotted line that literally gives away their home. This new Bureau will investigate those crimes.”

In many instances, education is the key to combating these kinds of cons. The Housing and Worker Protection Bureau will focus on prosecuting these crimes while also educating the community on how to avoid being the victims of charlatans who use manipulation to take advantage of people in an effort to line their own pockets.

The DA continued, “The Housing and Worker Protection Bureau will also go after crimes related to dangerous construction sites that put workers in harm’s way and employers who fail to pay the prevailing wage and other schemes.”

The bureau will pursue contractors who take money-saving shortcuts at the expense of worker safety, employers who skim wages from their employees and those who refuse to pay the prevailing wage. And when appropriate, this Bureau will enforce construction codes and the penal law to ensure that those in power are held accountable for any wrongdoing.

In addition, the Housing and Worker Protection Bureau will work with outside agencies, unions and employers to inform workers in the construction trades about their rights and responsibilities. This will help ensure that employees are informed and aware of safety measures that should be in place at worksites and will be able to recognize when their pockets are being picked.

          At the helm of this new Bureau, DA Katz chose William Jorgenson. A career prosecutor, Chief Jorgenson has worked in multiple agencies in and around the New York City area. With more than 3 decades of experience in law enforcement, Jorgenson has handled homicide and narcotics trials, conducted long-term investigations into insurance fraud, public corruption and other financial crimes. He also has a wealth of experience leading and training attorneys and support staff. DA Katz said Chief Jorgenson will lead a highly talented team of investigators, prosecutors and paralegals.

          If you or someone you know has been a victim of a housing scam or believe an employer is not providing a safe workplace or suspect another scheme related to a construction site or unfair wages, call our office at 718 286-6673. Press Release.