press release: Judge Grasso Announces Law Enforcement and Community Endorsements
The Grasso for Queens Campaign received 11 endorsements from local, prominent law enforcement organizations and community members today after officially filing more than 9,500 signatures from Queens residents to appear on the Democratic Primary ballot — more than double the number that is needed.
A grassroots campaign, Judge Grasso and many volunteers have been on the streets with countless Queens residents, listening to the public safety concerns as residents are forced to deal with skyrocketing crime and zero solutions. It has been a door-to-door mission for the Grasso for Queens campaign team as they have made true public safety and fair justice the top priority. The platform has been laid out and the people of Queens are ready to make the necessary change in the District Attorney’s Office.
The campaign is proud to announce endorsements from the following community members and law enforcement organizations:
Yolanda Jimenez, Former New York City Commissioner to Combat Domestic Violence and Former NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Community Affairs
Henry Jung, Queens Attorney and Korean-American Community Advocate
Gurpal Singh, Queens Attorney and Richmond Hill Community Advocate
Herb Woods, Former NYPD Assistant Commissioner of the Department Advocate’s Office
New York 10-13 Association
Superior Officers Association Retired
Retired Lieutenants Association
New York City Retired Transit Police Officers Association
Long Island Shields
Retired Police Association of New York State
Retired Sergeants Association
“The women and men who have put their faith in me to be Queens District Attorney know what it takes to make our streets safe for every New Yorker,” said Judge George Grasso. “I was proud to serve with many of them in the NYPD as we achieved record levels of crime reductions and public safety decades ago. As current District Attorney Melinda Katz continues to refuse to even recognize the historic crime increases across the borough, it is abundantly clear that she has no plan to combat the growing crisis. This is unacceptable. The opportunity for true public safety and justice throughout our city is now! It will begin in Queens once I am elected District Attorney.”
“Public safety sanity must be restored to Queens, and Judge George Grasso is the person who will do it,” said Bob Valentino, President of the New York City Retired Transit Police Officers Association. “There are violent repeat offenders walking the streets not being held to account. Judge Grasso’s decades of crime-fighting experience as a law enforcement official and a Queens Supreme Court Judge give him a unique ability to ensure public safety as District Attorney.”
“Rarely in politics does a candidate come forth with exactly the training, experience and education required for the position at that time,” said Gurpal Singh, of the Singh Law Firm of Richmond Hill. “Judge George Grasso is temperamentally the right person with the precise pedigree needed for Queens District Attorney. There probably has never been a more qualified person to run for this position. His resume speaks for itself and his voice speaks for the people of Queens. I am proud to endorse and support Judge Grasso for Queens District Attorney.”
“I had the pleasure and honor to work with Judge George Grasso for over 14 years in the New York City Police Department. As a Queens resident and former Commissioner to Combat Domestic Violence, I know that Judge Grasso will work tirelessly to protect all victims of crime and hold offenders accountable,” said Yolanda Jimenez, former New York City Commissioner to Combat Domestic Violence. “We need a Queens District Attorney who will enforce the laws, work with all communities, hold repeat offenders accountable, and restore quality-of-life in Queens.”
"I have had the privilege to know Judge George Grasso for 35 years,” said Herb Woods, former NYPD Assistant Commissioner, Department Advocate, who led police discipline. “As the former NYPD Assistant Commissioner, Department Advocate, I can state unequivocally that working alongside former First Deputy Commissioner Grasso, I found him to be eminently fair to all and of the highest character and integrity. As a 30-year resident of Southeast Queens, I am certain that he will bring those same qualities to the Queens County District Attorney's Office."
“The crime on our streets is concerning for every community in Queens,” said Henry Jung, a Queens attorney and community advocate. “Judge George Grasso knows what it takes to keep us safe, has laid out the plan, and has the experience to get it done. There is no better candidate for Queens District Attorney than Judge Grasso.”
“Judge George Grasso is a long time resident of Queens and member of the Democratic Party for over 40 years,” said Ron Schule, President of the Superior Officers Association Retired (SOAR). “Judge Grasso has lived a life of public service as both a 30-year veteran of the NYPD and as a Judge for 12 years, who ended his judicial career in August of 2022 to serve the people of Queens as their District Attorney and prioritize the rights of victims. Judge Grasso is NOT the establishment candidate and he is committed to the safety of residents and business owners in Queens.”
“Judge George Grasso is the most experienced candidate for Queens District Attorney,” said Ron Kwoczka, NYPD Detective (Ret), NYPD Combat Cross Recipient, and Board Member of the Superior Officers Association Retired (SOAR). “Judge Grasso has an established track record as a crime fighter and administrator, who has worked at the highest levels of the NYPD and as the Chief Administrative Judge in Queens County. There is no more qualified candidate to protect the people who live, work, and visit Queens every day. Judge Grasso knows and understands the shortcomings of every aspect of the Criminal Justice system and is committed to proving that a Democratic District Attorney can be tough on crime and ensure fair justice.”
“Judge George Grasso has 43 years of public service under his belt that will ensure his success as Queens District Attorney,” said Matt McGeever, President of the New York 10-13 Association. “Judge Grasso is committed to protecting every community in Queens from repeat offenders, who are victimizing our neighbors. He is the right Democratic candidate at the right time to become the next Queens District Attorney.”
“Judge George Grasso is not new to the Queens community,” said Eugene Lowey, President Emeritus of the New York 10-13 Association. “He lives in Queens, worked as a beat cop in Queens, and went to school in Queens — earning degrees from York College and St. John’s Law School. Judge Grasso is recognized for his honesty, integrity, and victim advocacy. As Queens District Attorney, residents will have no greater partner in ensuring public safety.”
“The membership of the NYPD Retired Lieutenants Association overwhelmingly voted to endorse Judge George Grasso for Queens District Attorney. Members of our association worked hard for many years to save lives and protect every resident here in Queens,” said Michelle Schaefer, President of the Retired Lieutenants Association. “Crime has been going in the wrong direction over the past few years. Judge Grasso understands the criminal justice system at many levels. He is committed to once again enforcing the rule of law to make Queens a safer place to live, work, travel and visit.”
“Judge George Grasso’s experience, knowledge, and vision for the safety of all New Yorkers, especially those of Queens County, are paramount,” said Michael Villa, President of the Long Island Shields. “Judge Grasso’s support of law enforcement and his undying pursuit to hold those who commit crimes accountable is what makes this endorsement possible.”
“Judge George Grasso’s genuine honesty and concern for the citizens of Queens sets him apart from those currently in power,” said Kevin Hassett, President of the Retired Police Association of New York State. “Judge Grasso’s willingness to listen to the people’s issues is a long overdue and refreshing change in today’s society. Crime is out of control and those currently in office have not taken the steps necessary to fix the problems.”
“We are supporting Judge George Grasso because he has demonstrated concern for police officers and the safety of the citizens of New York,” said Robert V. Catumaccio, President of the Retired Sergeants Association, Inc. “We wish him success in his bid for office and will provide any support necessary to help achieve his goals on behalf of the people he will represent. I would like to thank Judge Grasso in advance for his leadership and assistance to the people of our great state.”
The Queens Crime Crisis by the Numbers
Queens communities are being victimized by crime that is increasing at rates never seen before, with neighborhoods experiencing triple-digit percentage increases. Flushing, the NYPD’s 109 Precinct, has experienced shocking increases in crime with a 126% increase in major crimes compared to two years ago. New Yorkers who live in Douglaston, Bayside, and Little Neck, the NYPD’s 111 Precinct, have experienced a 122% increase in major crime compared to two years ago. Corona and Elmhurst, the NYPD’s 110 Precinct, is not far behind and just as dramatic for its residents with a 91% increase in major crime compared to two years ago. Overall, the NYPD’s Patrol Borough Queens North has experienced a 68.6% increase in major crime compared to two years ago and Patrol Borough Queens South has experienced a 40.5% increase compared to two years ago. The Grasso for Queens campaign believes that the people of Queens have a right to know about the crime crisis in their community.
*All statistics cited are per current NYPD CompStat figures YTD compared to two years ago.
The current Queens District Attorney’s drop in felony convictions since 2019 is equally as alarming as the unprecedented spikes in crime. In 2019, there were 1,582 felony convictions won by the Queens District Attorney compared to a mere 657 in 2020 — the first full year of the current District Attorney’s administration. In 2021, the number of felony convictions remained abysmal at 727. This means that only 5% of defendants arrested for felonies in Queens in 2021 were actually convicted of a felony.
*All conviction statistics are per the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services.
