Katz taps Suffolk prosecutor to lead Queens DA’s new Frauds Bureau

The Queens Criminal Court building. Photo by David Brand

By David Brand

A veteran Suffolk County prosecutor is headed to Queens to lead District Attorney Melinda Katz’s new Frauds Bureau.

Joseph Conley III will become the first person to take over the Frauds Bureau, which investigates and prosecutes complex financial crimes affecting Queens residents and businesses. Katz said the bureau will focus on “criminals who prey on the vulnerable” and anyone who defrauds the state and city.

“Joseph Conley’s distinguished career in law enforcement, including 16 years with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, made it easy for me to choose him to lead this new bureau,” Katz said.

Conley previously worked as a deputy in the Manhattan Special Investigations Unit for the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. He serves in the Army National Guard Judge Advocate General’s Corp.

He will lead a bureau featuring three units, where assistant district attorneys and investigators will work with federal, state and local law enforcement.

The Elder Fraud Unit investigates and prosecutes offenders who exploit or rip off older Queens residents.

The Computer Crimes Unit takes on crimes against children and adults, including possession of child sex abuse material, attempts to prey on children for sex, revenge porn and email scams. 

The Crimes Against Revenue Unit goes after crimes like tax evasion and cigarette trafficking.